At the event, administrators, faculty and students read selections from Brooks' more than 20 books of poetry, with some 200 guests in attendance. Director of AHANA Student Programs Donald Brown, who spearheaded the effort, described Brooks as "a giant of the American experience," whose literary contributions served as an inspiration for all Americans. "We felt that a poetic tribute would be an ideal way to honor the memory of Gwendolyn Brooks by celebrating her life's work," said Brown.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning poet visited BC in 1986 and 1991 at the invitation of Humanities Series Director Rev. Francis Sweeney, SJ.
Among those who read poems throughout the afternoon were College of Arts and Sciences Associate Dean John Burns, Learning to Learn Program Director Dan Bunch and Teisha Warren, '01, Edward Ford, '03, and Daniele Wilson, '02.
-Jack Dunn