Poet laureate Joy Harjo to speak at Notre Dame

The U.S. poet laureate Joy Harjo will speak at Notre Dame during a virtual event Monday, Feb. 22, as part of the annual Walk the Walk Week. Harjo, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the 23rd poet laureate, is the first Native American to hold the prestigious position.

Harjo was named U.S. poet laureate in June 2019 and is currently serving her second term. She is critically acclaimed for her nine books of poetry, multiple plays and anthologies, children’s books and two memoirs.

Additionally, Harjo is a musician and is known for six award-winning albums. Her signature poet laureate project is her interactive map and audio collection of Native Nations poetry entitled “Living Nations, Living Words.”

Her latest album, “I Pray for My Enemies,” will be released March 5.

The office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services, the Notre Dame Initiative on Race and Resilience and the Native American Student Association of Notre Dame are sponsoring “An Evening with Joy Harjo.” She will read some of her poetry and participate in a Q&A.

Native American Student Association president, senior Mikaela Murphy, and professor of English and Africana studies and director of the Initiative on Race and Resilience Mark A. Sanders will moderate the Q&A.

The free event begins at 7 p.m. and registration is required.