Etheridge Knight Interview: The Origins of Poetry

ABOUT

Etheridge Knight had a different approach to poetry than most others in his time. In this excerpt of an interview with Nancy Bunge, read posthumously in this video by his nephew, Floyd Knight Jr., he discusses the origins of his poetry, influences of society, and his creative process within his work. He also speaks on the universality of feelings in the artistic process.

Knight began writing as an inmate in the Indiana prison system, and has since grown into a greatly influential figure in literary world because of his down to earth approach to the craft. His writing covers topics of family, politics, and the truths of Black life in America.