An interview with Gwendolyn Brooks

In this edition of HoCoPoLitSo's The Writing life, revered American poet Gwendolyn Brooks sat down in 1986 to talk with Alan Jabbour, director of the Library of Congress' American Folklore division, and E. Ethelbert Miller, poet and director of the African American Resource Center at Howard University.
Brooks was the Library of Congress' 29th consultant in poetry, and tells the story in this program of winning the Pulitzer at age 32, and getting the phone call in the dark because the electric company had cut off their power because they couldn't afford to pay the bill. She recites "We Real Cool," a poem she says has lasted because of its "insouciance and staccato effect." She talks about her introduction to black nationalism, feminism and James Baldwin. Brooks says, "I like for blacks to be proud of what they have come from. They need to learn they have much to be proud of."
For more information about The Writing Life and HoCoPoLitSo, visit www.hocopolitso.org.

• Category

  Education

[Ayesha Karim]

I recorded myself reading Gwendolyn Brooks's We Real Cool poem for a college Intro to Lit class. I recited the poem into my brand new Sony recorder at the time. I read Brooks's We Real Cool poem without emphasizing the 'We'' my Professor told me after comparing my reading to Brooks's reading of the poem. I read poems and I have been told I am a good reader but I messed up a bit on that assignment...

[hocopolitso]

I love Brooks' recitation of that poem in this recording, but as she said she loved, she heard many different versions over the years. That's what's great about poetry, you can interpret it based on your experience and make it your own. Poets just send their poems like balloons out into the world. It's up to readers to catch and appreciate.

[Angelina Machado]

im doing a research paper on her she is amazing

[hocopolitso]

Hi Angelina,

I'm glad you're researching Ms. Brooks -- you're right. She is amazing. And there's not much video of her, so this is a good find. Good luck with the paper.

[lovelyjavid]

her voice is awesome

[hocopolitso]

Isn't it wonderful to hear her voice reading? And her facial expressions are terrific too. Thanks for watching!

[L0Lergamer]

Ya.. im doing a project on her too.

Its kinda boaring, BUT she did do alot.

[morereasonsthan1]

nice,!!!!!! i love her work