Elizabeth Alexander
Poet, essayist, playwright, and academic known for reading a poem at President Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration and for work exploring memory, identity, and culture.
Top 3 podcasts with Elizabeth Alexander
Ranked by the Snipd community
Jun 21, 2024 • 1min
“Ars Poetica #100: I Believe” by Elizabeth Alexander
Poet and author Elizabeth Alexander shares a poignant poem asking if we are of interest to each other, prompting reflection on human connection. The discussion explores the essence of poetry, authenticity, and the complexity of human relationships.
Jan 12, 2026 • 7min
Literary Arts Fund created to rekindle a love for reading
Elizabeth Alexander, President of the Mellon Foundation and a celebrated poet, discusses the alarming decline in pleasure reading, noting a 40% drop over the last two decades. She unveils a bold $50 million initiative aimed at revitalizing the literary landscape by supporting nonprofit literary organizations. Alexander links this reading crisis to issues like book banning and funding cuts, emphasizing literature's vital role in fostering empathy and understanding amidst divisive times.
Jan 12, 2026 • 55min
20th Anniversary celebration with renowned poets Eileen Myles, Elizabeth Alexander, Sarah Kay, and Amber Tamblyn
Celebrating 20 years of creativity, renowned poets Eileen Myles, Elizabeth Alexander, Sarah Kay, and Amber Tamblyn share their profound insights on language and identity. Myles reflects on the vibrant NYC poetry scene and the influence of Ginsberg, while Alexander connects ballet disciplines to her writing craft. Kay reveals how slam poetry intertwined her passion for theater, and Tamblyn discusses the personal power of poetry as she recounts her journey through acting and her poignant work on grief and identity. Together, they explore poetry as a deeply intimate practice that transcends the page.
