World-renowned poet to speak at workshop

Staff report

Kent

The 2011 Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Literature for Youth features a lineup of award-winning authors and illustrators, along with the usual workshop presentations.

The conference is scheduled for Thursday and Friday at the Kent State University Student Center.

The conference opens with a keynote address by Nikki Giovanni, world-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist and education. She is this year’s winner of the 13th annual Virginia Hamilton Literary Award.

After her presentation, area students will take the stage with song and poetry as part of the Kent Poetry Center’s giving-voice program. Area musician Hal Walker will provide musical accompaniment.

Friday’s highlights include presentations by Charles R. Smith Jr., winner of the 2010 Coretta Scott King Award for illustration, and Chris Raschka, Caldecott Honor Book award winner.

The program also includes a variety of local and national speakers offering workshop sessions.

The conference provides a forum for discussion of multicultural themes and issues in literature for children and young adults.

It showcases some of the country’s top talents in the field and brings together writers, illustrators, librarians, teachers, students and scholars.

To register, contact Kent’s Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 330- 672-3100 or register online at www.yourtrainingresource.com and click program, conference.