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PROFILES

Louis Elneus
Founder of HLD

Richard Jeanty
Author & Entrepreneur

Leslie Demangles
Author & College Professor

Danielle Legros-George
Haitian Poet & Autor

Margaret Papillon
Haitian Author

Myrtelle Cherry
Haitian Artist & Painter

Carole B. Joseph
Mass Bay Community College President

Gashford Guillaume
Mozayik Drummer

Pascale Auguste
Haitian Association Against Cancer

Andy Jacques
Haitian Fashion Designer

Phillip J. Brutus
State Representative

Yvecar Momperousse
Haitian Student Alliance

The Maroons
Haitian Writers & Poets

Evans Thesee
Founder HaitianConnection.com

Abdias Charles
Founder of Repair Haiti.org

Mecca AKA Grimo
Haitian Hip Hop Artist & Activist

Fania Simon
Writer, Lecturer & Activist

Nadege Fleurimond
Owner of Fleurimond Catering

Interview: Danielle Legros-Georges

		Born in Haiti and raised in the United States, Danielle Legros- Georges, a professor at Lesley University, is the author of Maroon, a book of poetry that explores her heritage as a Haitian and as an American immigrant using highly original and rhythmic verse. Maroon is published by Curbstone Press. She has received many writing awards including the LEF Foundation Fellowship and a MacDowell Fellowship. Her poems are widely anthologized and have also appeared in numerous journals, including Agni, The American Poetry Review, Black Renaissance Noire, and The Caribbean Writer.
Prodg staff writer Jenny Elie recently had a conversation with the renowned poet.

Jenny Elie: Greetings Danielle, please tell us a bit about yourself for those of us who are not familiar with you and your work.

Danielle Legros-Georges: I'm a writer and an educator. I also worked as an editor for many years. I teach at Lesley University in a division that trains students, who are studying to be teachers/educators, how to use the arts as pedagogical tools. In terms of my work as a writer, I write primarily in the poetry and essay genres. Curbstone Press, a small publishing house in Connecticut, published my book of poems, Maroon. Curbstone's mission involves publishing creative literature that promotes human rights and inter-cultural understanding; and bringing writers and programs into the community to promote literacy, knowledge about many cultures, and an appreciation of literature.

JE: What themes do you explore in your writing?

DLG: I have in the past explored the notions of crossing cultures, bi-culturality, Haitian identity and culture through poetry. Maroon takes up some of these themes. I have also written about popular culture, and I am now doing more of this. History has always been an interest of mine, as well as historiography-the way history is written.

JE: Who has been influential in your career as a poet?

DLG: More people than I can state here, or count. My family, teachers, instructors, professors especially have been influential. My colleagues and friends who suggest I read this book, or that; who have engaged me in ideas; who have recommended me for projects and encouraged me to submit work for publications have helped me. Curbstone Press has published my works, and thanks are due to Sandy Taylor and Judy Doyle; as well as a number of organizations that had given me residencies, space and time to write in. The writers whose work has served as models for me have also been very important.

JE: What has been your high point in your career as a poet?

DLG: I'd like to think that I haven't yet reached my high point. This way, I have something to strive for (smile).

JE: Where has your poetry been showcased? Have you performed spoken word pieces locally or nationally?

DLG: I'm often asked to read in the New England area-in schools, bookstores, community setting, at Universities, writers' festivals, and as part of other cultural and literary events. It's been nice to participate in readings in many other parts of the country; and I was especially happy to read at the "Bibliothèque Nationale in Port-au-Prince" a number of years ago. My work has appeared in Literary Journals, Anthologies, and other types of publications.

JE: Which of your poems do you think would give you much more success and recognition posthumously?

DLG: I'm going to die?! Jenny, why are you shocking me so! I had no idea. I have to wrap my head around this, and as a result can't begin to contemplate the posthumous recognition portion of the question.

JE: Over time, have you adopted a particular style/technique when performing?

DLG: I have gone from nervous-up-at-the-mic/podium style to not-so-nervous-up-at-the-mic/podium-and-with-hipster-exterior style. On a more serious note: I tend to be a straight-forward reader. While I admire many spoken word artists, I have what's considered an "on-page" reading style.

JE: What advice would you give to aspiring poets and what can they expect from this "industry"?

DLG: I would encourage aspiring poets to read as much as possible. I would tell them to get to know the work of poetry and fiction of writers from the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world-to draw from the vast international literary community. I would have them familiarize themselves with some of the important texts, and literary movements and sensibilities of other countries-in addition to having a sense of the local. I would encourage them to read across time periods. They need to engage in other art forms (dance, visual art, music, drama, multi-media, design, etc.) for enjoyment and for exposure. These can and will enhance their thinking and then writing would be something extra that I'd add to this list. In regard to the industry, I would suggest that emerging poets publish first in literary magazines and journals; then consider submitting a manuscript to publishers.

JE: "Samba" Danielle, much respect and I thank you for the interview. Peace and blessings to you and continue to stay committed to the culture!

DLG: All the same to you Jenny. Thank you, and kenbe la!