The Poetry & Poetics of Lucille Clifton
KAZIM ALI (Black Buffalo Woman) in conversation with JOËL DÍAZ in partnership with The Clifton House

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
31st Street & Barclay Street
Waverly Neighborhood

Poet and Scholar KAZIM ALI tends to the work of Lucille Clifton with precision and curiosity, offering close analysis and insight into the social, political, cultural, and spiritual contexts that inform her craft & poetic rigor and the plural resonances they contain. In a conversation moderated by The Clifton House’s Director of Programs, JOËL DÍAZ, Ali will discuss, highlight, and underscore the scholarship set forth in his eagerly anticipated book Black Buffalo Woman, a thoughtful and comprehensive study of her literary accomplishments, bridging together and illuminating her prolific poetic oeuvre, children’s and middle-grade books, and spirit writings. Kazim Ali’s books encompass multiple genres. He is currently a Professor of Comparative Literature and Creative Writing, and chair of the Department of Literature at the University of California, San Diego. Along with Black Buffalo Woman, his newest books are Sukun: New and Selected Poems, and the novel Indian Winter. Joël Díaz is a writer, educator, and steward for arts & culture and is currently the Director of Programs at The Clifton House where he leads the organization’s public programs & art initiatives.

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KAZIM ALI’s books encompass multiple genres, including the volumes of poetry Inquisition, Sky Ward, winner of the Ohioana Book Award in Poetry; The Far Mosque, winner of Alice James Books’ New England/New York Award; The Fortieth Day; All One’s Blue; and the cross-genre texts Bright Felon and Wind Instrument. His novels include The Secret Room: A String Quartet and his hybrid memoirs include, Silver Road: Essays, Maps & Calligraphies and Fasting for Ramadan: Notes from a Spiritual Practice. He is also an accomplished translator and an editor of several anthologies and criticisms. After a career in public policy and organizing, Ali taught at various colleges and universities. He is currently a Professor of Comparative Literature and Creative Writing, and chair of the Department of Literature at the University of California, San Diego. His newest books are Sukun: New and Selected Poems, and the novel Indian Winter.

www.kazimali.com
Instagram: @kazimalipoet
X: @KazimAliPoet

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JOËL DÍAZ is a writer, educator, and steward for arts & culture and is currently the Director of Programs at The Clifton House where he leads the organization’s public programs, exhibitions, and artist residencies. With a profound dedication to storytelling, community building, and creative placemaking, Joël’s expertise has played a pivotal role in helping organizations champion artists and expand community access to the arts. An accomplished writer and poet, Joël’s writing has been featured in The Nation, The Feminist Wire, and Interviewing the Caribbean. He co-organized two seasons of the Segue Reading Series and was a 2018 Poet’s House Fellow. As a consultant, strategic advisor, and sensitivity reader, Joël has worked with major and independent publishers, and other educational organizations, to expand, enhance and fortify their literary offerings. He received a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Washington University in Saint Louis.

www.joeladiaz.com
Instagram: @joelxdiaz

poetsthatsweat.com
Instagram: @glitterature72
X: @snarkysyntax