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Poet Saul Williams to appear at St. Olaf

By David Gonnerman '90
February 20, 2007

Renowned poet and author Saul Williams will appear at St. Olaf College in The Lion's Pause student club of Buntrock Commons Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. The event is free for St. Olaf and Carleton students (with ID) and $5 for the general public (pay at the door). Parking may be limited, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early.

St. Olaf student Eyita Gaga '07 explains that Williams has been invited because this year's Black History Month focuses on the arts. "Although the spoken word scene is unknown to many, it's definitely an art form that's becoming more and more recognized," she says. "I've been following Williams' career for about a year and his writing is inspirational. I've never had the privilege of seeing him live, but even through television and computer screens, his passion and dynamic energy is magnetic."

Williams has defined and redefined poetry as an accessible, living art form for thousands of youth across the United States. His work as a writer and actor in the critically acclaimed film Slam (Sundance Grand Jury Prize 1998) placed him as a figurehead of the spoken word/slam poetry movement that has spread across the United States and culminated in such commercial success as HBO's Def Poetry Jam. His writings have been added to the curricula of dozens of high schools and colleges across the country.

"Hip-hop is poetry, and even without the music this form is not new," Williams has told New Musical Express. "If you go way back -- hundreds of years ago -- people were getting onto platforms and reading their work to people as a direct means of communication. That's what I do."

Poet, author, musician, actor
Williams is the author of three collections of poetry: ,said the shotgun to the head. (2003 MTV Books/Simon and Schuster), She (1999 MTV Books/Simon and Schuster) and The Seventh Octave (1997 Moore Black Press). His latest book is The Dead Emcee Scrolls: The Lost Teachings of Hip Hop (2006 Simon and Schuster). His musical debut, Amethyst Rock Star (2001 American Recordings/Island Def Jam) was produced by legendary rock/hip hop producer Rick Rubin and was named "album of the year" by The Times of London.

The poet's writings also have appeared in several anthologies and periodicals, including The New York Times. In addition, he has made several TV appearances, including a recurring role on the sitcom Girlfriends, plus The Chris Rock Show and Politically Incorrect.

With reporting by Meggie Wade '09.

Contact David Gonnerman '90 at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.