'Affrilachian' poet Frank X Walker to read and discuss his work at Midway College Monday

Frank X Walker, an English professor and teacher in African American and Africana Studies Program at the University of Kentucky, will read and discuss his poetry at 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 9, at Midway College's Anne Hart Raymond Center. The event is sponsored by Chapter F, a local chapter of PEO, an international, philanthropic, educational organization in which women celebrate the advancement of women.

A poet and playwright, Walker provides "an eclectic, powerful mixture of liberating style, profound insight and unwavering organic connection to the intellectual, political and cultural struggles of people," Ricky Jones, professor at the University of Louisville's Department of Pan-African Studies, said in a UK press release, which continued: "Walker’s work captures the profound feelings of love and loss; he embodies the full range of human ability, knowledge, emotion and experience. Through his poetry and writing, readers are treated to both subtle and overt commentaries on subjects such as slavery; environment and exploration experiences of Lewis and Clark; a black jockey, Isaac Murphy; and America searching for truth. . . . His work has earned him many awards, and he has published seven books." Walker coined the word "Affrilachian" to denote African Americans of Appalachia.

This will be the 12th annual Book Event sponsored by PEO's Chapter F. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling (859) 266-6286. For more information, contact Peggy Collins at collins5peggy@yahoo.com or by calling (859) 321-1176.