The annual event provides a free, accessible opportunity for all to gather, learn and discuss ideas and issues that animate communities. Sparking conversation is the very mission of UM’s President’s Lecture Series. Young said he hopes attendees will feel a sense of community and connection that, in turn, will spark conversation. “I think a poem can express the complexity of grief,” Young said.Īs the title of his event suggests, Young’s reading will seek to explore the intricacies of grief and healing through poetry. Such publications include “Stones,” “Dear Darkness” and “Book of Hours,” as well as an anthology “The Art of Losing: Poems of Grief and Healing,” among others. Many of Young’s poems connect themes of grief and healing, family, African American history, community and place. He also is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Letters, a fellow of the Society of American Historians and a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. In addition to being an award-winning poet, author and essayist, Young holds several roles, including serving as poetry editor for The New Yorker. His latest publication is a children’s book titled “Emile and the Field.” Young is the author of 13 books of poetry, two award-winning books of nonfiction and editor of several poetry collections.

Sign language interpretation will be provided.

A question and answer portion will follow. MISSOULA – The University of Montana will close this academic year’s chapter of President’s Lecture Series events with “An Evening of Poetry and Healing with Kevin Young” on Tuesday, April 18.įree and open to the public, Young will read from his collection of poems during the 7:30 p.m. By Abigail Lauten-Scrivner, UM News Service

Book of Hours by Kevin Young