Interview with Frank X Walker, July 6, 2017

Interview Summary

Frank X Walker talks about his poetry in this interview. He discusses the terms he invented, Affrilachia and Affrilachians, and their significance and meaning. He talks about the importance of representing African Americans in Kentucky and Appalachia's literary and historical records. He describes people he has written historical poetry collections about including York, Medgar Evers, and Isaac Murphy. He also lists contemporaries and predecessors who have influenced him. He concludes with a discussion about the importance of literacy, the power of teachers, and the significance of an African American Kentucky literary heritage.

Interview Keyword

Kentucky writers African American writers Minority writers Poetry Affrilachia Affrilachians Appalachia

Interview LC Subject

Authors Poets Historical fiction Kentucky African Americans--Race identity Writing Minority authors African American authors

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.