The New Yorker: Poetry cover image

The New Yorker: Poetry

Jericho Brown Reads Elizabeth Alexander

Feb 26, 2025
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Jericho Brown joins Kevin Young to discuss the powerful works of Elizabeth Alexander. They explore the emotional depth of Alexander's poem 'When?', reflecting on its significance in Black poetry and culture. Jericho shares insights into his own piece 'Colosseum,' emphasizing the intimate connections forged through personal storytelling. The conversation touches on themes of love, identity, and the influence of Southern culture, illustrating how friendships shape a poet's journey and the enduring legacy of powerful literary figures.
36:29

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Quick takeaways

  • Jericho Brown reflects on how Elizabeth Alexander's poem profoundly influenced his personal identity and connection to Black literature.
  • Brown explores the duality of joy and grief in Alexander's 'When,' highlighting its significance in understanding Black masculinity and communal artistry.

Deep dives

Celebrating Diverse Stories for America 250

The podcast highlights the upcoming celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, which aims to collect and preserve diverse stories from various communities across the nation. This initiative encourages individuals to nominate living people whose stories represent a unique version of the American experience. Such efforts seek to honor the multifaceted nature of democracy and amplify voices that may not traditionally be heard. By involving the public in this narrative-building exercise, the program underscores the importance of inclusivity in shaping the nation's past, present, and future.

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