James Tokley Brings African-American History To Life
February 14, 2007
Tampa’s Poet Laureate Brings
African-American History To Life For African American History Month
On Feb. 21 At Saint Leo University
SAINT LEO, FLA. – African-American poet James Tokley, the
City of Tampa’s first official poet laureate, will bring the
culture and history of African-Americans to life on Wednesday, Feb.
21, at Saint Leo University. In celebration of African American
History Month, Tokley will perform and discuss his writing craft
from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Southard Room of Cannon Memorial Library on
University Campus. Saint Leo invites the local communities to enjoy
this special event that is free and open to the public. For
directions and more information call (352) 588-8572.
Tokley read his poem “A
Meeting of the People,' written for the inauguration of Governor
Charlie Crist, during the inauguration ceremony on Jan. 2, in
Tallahassee, Fla. He has written poems for former Tampa Mayor Dick
Greco, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, and is the unofficial poet laureate
of the National Urban League.
Three of his works are published as exhibits. “Song of the
Hillsborough,' representing Hillsborough County, Fla., during its
millennium celebration, is part of the White House Millennium
traveling exhibit. The epic poem “The Saga of Saint Benedict
School,' was reproduced in a strip of granite, measuring 28 feet by
18 inches, and is located in the historic Ybor City district.
“Leviathan,' a poem about a great blue whale, is reproduced in
mammoth proportions, measuring 63 feet high and 45 feet wide – and
displayed at Park Tower in downtown Tampa.
Chartered in 1889, north of Tampa in St. Leo, Fla., Saint Leo
University is one of the largest and most innovative Catholic
universities in the United States. Students enrolled at Saint Leo
may choose from more than 41 academic programs, including
bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, pre-professional and
accelerated-learning programs.
As one of the leading providers of higher education to the
military and a leader in online higher education, Saint Leo’s
enrollment includes more than 13,000 students at the traditional
University Campus and 15 regional centers throughout Florida,
California, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia, and
through the Center for Online Learning. For more information, visit
www.saintleo.edu.
Press Contacts:
Susan Shoulet
director of public relations
(352) 588-8121
susan.shoulet@saintleo.edu
Sally Guignon
communications specialist
(352) 588-8237
sally.guignon@saintleo.edu
