"Black in Nature: an African American Ecopoetic"

Summary

In a thought-provoking talk, Camille Dungy shares her journey of exploring the representation of Black voices in nature poetry. She reflects on her experiences with the lack of visibility for African-American poets in this genre, highlighting the importance of expanding the conversation around nature to include diverse perspectives. Dungy emphasizes the need to recognize the connection between culture and the environment, advocating for a broader understanding of what constitutes nature poetry. By encouraging young writers of color to find their voices, she opens up a dialogue about identity, belonging, and the expansive possibilities within ecological narratives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Camille Dungy expresses her excitement about connecting with the CBOC and hearing diverse projects.
• 📜 Dungy shares her poem 'Language,' which explores the relationship between language, nature, and identity.
• 🤔 A surprising encounter highlights the stereotype that black people do not write about nature, prompting Dungy to compile an anthology.
• 📚 The anthology showcases African American poets writing about the natural world, addressing the lack of representation in nature literature.
• 🌍 Dungy emphasizes the need to broaden the definition of nature poetry to include urban and agricultural experiences.
• 🌱 She discusses the emerging field of eco-criticism and the inclusion of diverse voices in conversations about nature and resource extraction.
• 🐾 Dungy reflects on the implications of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, highlighting concerns for both human and non-human entities affected by such barriers.
• 🗣️ She encourages young children of color to see their narratives as valuable contributions to environmental discourse.
• 🎉 Dungy celebrates the expanding eco-poetic conversation, which allows for a richer understanding of how various communities interact with nature.
• 🔄 Ultimately, Dungy's work promotes inclusivity and diversity in environmental literature, fostering a more expansive dialogue about our relationship with the natural world.

Q & A

What is Camille Dungy's primary focus in her talk?

Camille Dungy's primary focus is on the representation of Black voices in nature poetry and the historical exclusion of these perspectives from traditional narratives.

How did Camille Dungy respond to the question about Black people writing about nature?

Dungy found the question both shocking and comical, which inspired her to compile an anthology of African-American poets writing about the natural world.

What were the two key responses Dungy received when contacting poets for the Black Nature anthology?

The first response was gratitude from poets who felt unrecognized in previous anthologies, while the second was from those who claimed not to write nature poetry.

How does Dungy define nature poetry?

Dungy challenges the conventional definition of nature poetry, advocating for a broader understanding that includes urban experiences and cultural histories rather than solely pristine wilderness.

What personal experience did Dungy share about her connection to nature?

Dungy shared her experience of returning to her home landscape in the West, feeling joy in reconnecting with a familiar environment, which contrasts with common perceptions of Black individuals in nature.

What is the significance of the phrase 'erosion of presence' in Dungy's talk?

The phrase refers to the dangerous omission of Black voices and experiences in discussions about nature, highlighting the need for inclusion in the literary canon.

What environmental issue does Dungy raise in relation to borders?

Dungy discusses how physical borders, like the wall between the U.S. and Mexico, affect both human lives and non-human entities, such as wildlife, questioning the implications of these barriers.

How does Dungy view the role of young children of color in the conversation about nature?

Dungy believes it is important to empower young children of color by validating their voices and narratives, encouraging them to see their experiences as relevant in the broader context of nature writing.

What changes have occurred in eco-criticism since the publication of Dungy's anthology in 2009?

Since 2009, eco-criticism has expanded to include a more diverse range of voices and perspectives, recognizing the importance of various cultural narratives in discussions about nature.

What is the overarching message Dungy wants to convey through her work?

Dungy aims to create a more inclusive conversation around nature and poetry, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices and experiences to enrich the dialogue about the environment.