Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Coming Up Next: Professor Afaa Weaver of Simmons College: China and The Plum Flower Trilogy



You'll want to tune in this coming Saturday morning, June 4 when I welcome professor, author and poet Mr. Afaa Michael Weaver. Here's why:

This remarkable American poet, educator, story teller, writer and editor is the author of numerous poetry collections. His honors include a Fulbright Scholarship, fellowships from the National Endowments of the Arts (NEA), the Pew Foundation, and he is the recipient of the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award and a Pushcart Prize, among others. Weaver is the director of the Writing Intensive at The Frost Place

In 2015 his work City of Eternal Spring won the Phillis Wheatley Award for excellence in poetry at the Harlem Book Fair. This work was the final book in Weaver's Plum Flower Trilogy. Weaver's other works include Timber and Prayer: The Indian Pond Poems; My Father's Geography; The Plum Flower Dance: Poems 1985 to 2005; and The Government of Nature, and more. 

Nigerian playwright Tess Onwueme gave him the Ibo name, Afaa, meaning "oracle." Weaver teaches at Simmons College in Massachusetts and is the chairman of the Simmons International Chinese Poetry Conference and director of the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Center. 



Of Afaa Michael Weaver, Henry Louis Gates has observed that "Weaver of one of the most significant poets writing today. With its blend of Chinese spiritualism and American roundedness, his poetry presents the reader (and the listener, for his body of work is meant to be read aloud) with challenging questions about identity, about how physicality and spirit act together or counteract each other to shape who we are in the world. His attention to the way language works is rare, and the effects of that attention on his poetry are distinctive and expansive."

Referring to Weaver's work, The Government of Nature, Ching-Hsi Perng, President of the Taipei Chinese Club has said, "In these nuanced, sobering, and beautifully cadenced poems, the poet tries to deal with haunting, mysterious vines of the past, present, and future-whether of fear, anxiety, joy, love, or hope. Reconciling East and West, he achieves harmony and tranquility. A marvelous work." Weaver was given the Chinese name "Wei Yafeng." 

In 2005 he received the Gold Friendship Medal from the Beijing Writers Association for his work with Chinese poets. 

Please check out his official web site at http://afaaweaver.net/

We'll hear from Weaver about many things, such as his early life, his work with Chinese poets, how his works are insightful and special for Chinese as well as Americans, his lifelong interest in Chinese culture and much more. 

Tune-in this coming Saturday June 4, 10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on AM1490 WGCH and everywhere on WGCH.com! 



Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim's broadcasts are from AM1490 WGCH and everywhere on WGCH.com in Greenwich, Connecticut USA. 

This show is title-sponsored by Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development Ltd. You are invited to explore how an alliance with Beijing AmBridge can help your company or organization grow and prosper. Call Beijing AmBridge's office in Beijing at 86-10-80775517 or email ambridge01@163.com

Corporate Executive Offices (CEO) in Greenwich, Connecticut USA is a supporting sponsor of this show. Since 1989, CEO has been a provider of world-class offices in a prominent, modern building with contemporary services, advanced technology and amenities that will help you focus on productivity while keeping your monthly costs under control. The best thing about CEO is that they treat you like family -only better! Visit them online at www.ceooffices.com or call 203-622-1300 today. 

Southeast Asian cuisine has never been more popular, and if you want the best visit Penang Grill. A supporting sponsor of this show, Penang Grill is conveniently located at 55 Lewis Street in downtown Greenwich, Connecticut USA. Penang Grills repertoire of fine culinary selections, tranquil, Asian-themed surroundings, courteous service and great prices will leave you satisfied. Call 203-861-1988. You'll be glad you did. 

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