IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2008
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:

Office: 724.738.4854

Cell: 724.991.8302

                                                                                                                   gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Kaleidoscope 2008

African-American activist Sonia Sanchez comes to SRU April 21

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Sonia Sanchez, a nationally renown author, playwright, poet and lecturer on black culture and racial justice, will read her poetry at 7:30 p.m. April 21 in Slippery Rock University’s Advanced Technology and Science Hall Auditorium. Her free appearance is part of the University’s Kaleidoscope arts festival.

“The response I’ve heard already from the campus community in anticipation of her visit has been exceptional,” said Rachela Permenter, SRU professor of English and Kaleidoscope coordinator.  “No doubt that is due not only to her importance to the culture, but also to her reputation as a dynamic performer.”

            The poet Maya Angelou has called Sanchez “a lion in the literature forest.” She is the author of more than a dozen poetry books, including “Homegirls and Handgrenades,” which won the American Book Award. She also won the Robert Frost Medal in Poetry and a National Endowment for the Arts award.

            Sanchez taught at San Francisco State University and Temple University and now lives in Philadelphia.  The black arts movement is the artistic branch of the black power movement. Time magazine recently described the movement as “the single most controversial movement in the history of African-American literature.”

            Sanchez has lectured at more than 500 universities and colleges in the United States and has read her poetry in many countries, including Kenya, Cuba, England, Australia, and the People’s Republic of China. She is a contributing editor to Black Scholar and the Journal of African Studies.

           Robert Clay, SRU assistant director of Intercultural Programs, also emphasized strong campus support for the visit by Sanchez.Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the Black Action Society, Student Union for Minority Affairs, Office of Intercultural Programs, and the Chosen Generation Gospel Choir were all anxious to contribute funds and to participate.” 

           Following her reading and presentation, Sanchez will sign books. 

           Kaleidoscope is April 16-29 and will include concerts by more than 25 musical acts, poetry readings, a Children’s Day and Kaleidoscope on Main town event. For a complete schedule of events visit www.sru.edu.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.