Etheridge Knight: Past American Voice

The late Etheridge Knight began writing poetry in the 1960s, when he was imprisoned for armed robbery, where he discovered that “art is ultimately about freedom.” This program features excerpts from a 1986 poetry reading and a 1989 interview by Rebekah Presson, when they discuss the role of black men in society and his use of prison as a metaphor. The author of four books, his work continues to inspire younger generations (such as those heard in the Symphony Poets) and can be found in the comprehensive 1987 American Book Award-winning collection, The Essential Etheridge Knight.