In 2011, former University of Kentucky Professor and Poet, Nikky Finney won the National Book Award for Poetry. The title of her award winning book is Head Off & Split.
We will discuss Professor Finney's speech in class.
If you have additional considerations, comments or questions, please post them on our blog. Be sure to sign in. The sign in is located in the upper right hand corner of the blog.
See you soon.
Dr. Hill
I really enjoyed how in this short acceptance speech she was able to note the importance of literature not only to her but to her as a black woman. I like that She uses history to emphasize that literature should be cherished because reading , writing , and any kind of learning was forbidden to African Americans because it was seen as a way to advance. Not only was it forbidden but slaves lost limbs or even their lives in order just to enrich their lives with knowledge. It relates to African American studies because it highlights the struggle the race has had just to advance in life, just to succeed at something in order to break away from an oppressive way of living.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed how this speech incorporated a poetic style in order to tell the history of the African American race. She highlighted on the struggles that African Americans faced in regards to advancing their education. Her speech had an emotional effect because it is a perfect example of how African Americans have overcome their past trials.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that really stood out to me about Mrs. Finney's acceptance speech is that not only did it touch African Americans. It also had an affect on different races as well. The speaker went to say that her speech was the best acceptance speech he has ever heard. That really shows how powerful the speech was.
ReplyDeleteMy observations about Nikki Finney's speech are not about the content of the speech. I find her eloquent manner of speaking to be the most interesting thing about this speech. Her speech is extremely poetic in it's flow. I find it fascinating that she expresses-embodies -her love for poetry in every thing she does. The content of her speech was powerful; However, I think the style in which she conveyed her message is what made this speech impeccable.
ReplyDelete