Skip to main content

U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo comes to WVU

Joy Harjo

Faculty, staff, students and community members from across West Virginia are invited to attend a special evening with U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo Tuesday, April 5, at 7 p.m. in the Mountainlair Ballrooms or virtually via Zoom.

As an award-winning author, poet, editor, playwright, musician, internationally renowned performer and writer of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Harjo was appointed the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate in 2019 and the first Native American to hold the position.

The WVU Native American Studies Program, in collaboration with the WVU Humanities Center, and in co-sponsorship with Eberly College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of English, is excited to host a poetry reading and discussion with Harjo. 

Book sales, a tribute exhibit and flute performance by Native American Music award winner who was born in Wheeling, Cody Blackbird, will take place prior to the presentation starting at 6 p.m. 

See the full agenda below:

  • 6 p.m., Book sale and Tribute Exhibit, Mountainlair Gold Ballroom

  • 6:30-7 p.m., Cody Blackbird virtual flute performance

  • 7 p.m., Joy Harjo poetry reading, Mountainlair Blue Ballroom and via Zoom 

This event is free and open to the public. Register to attend virtually.

Out of respect for our honored guest, please wear a mask if you're attending in person.