"I Feel, therefore I can be free": Harnessing the power of emotion in writing to heal.

“The white fathers told us, “I think, therefore I am.” The Black mother within each of us—the poet—whispers in our dreams: “I feel, therefore I can be free.” - Audre Lorde, "Poetry is Not a Luxury."

Duke Senior and Spoken Verb President Allayne Thomas will facilitate a conversation between Zimbabwean American poet and Duke Professor of English Tsitsi Jaji and African-American Duke English Ph.D. Candidate Nicole Higgins. The night will focus on themes ranging from diaspora, womanhood, and intimacy to the meaning of healing. We will also celebrate the upcoming US release of The History of Intimacy by Gabeba Baderoon and Tsitsi Jaji’s recent collection Mother Tongues.

The authors and students will read from and reflect on this work. Copies of the books will be offered to lucky participants who register early. These have been provided by Rofhiwa Book Café in Durham with the support of our sponsors.

Thursday, April 8th, 5-6:30pm (EST)  Zoom Registration Link: https://duke.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMtf-yhqzgtHd2MuiPe5hSxqBwE_awGr5rv

Hosted by the International Comparative Studies Program and Spoken Verb | Sponsored by Duke Africa Initiative and the Duke Concilium on Southern Africa."