Cave Canem

Posted by Sharyn Skeeter Apr 15, 2007

Cave Canem was founded in 1996 by poets Toi Derricotte and Cornelius Eady. For over a decade it has been an exceptional resource for African-American poets. Its programs include a week-long summer retreat, a first book prize, a Legacy Conversation series, writing workshops, other publications, and readings.

Among Cave Canem’s faculty and judges have been such renowned poets as Lucille Clifton, Yusef Komunyakaa, Elizabeth Alexander, Sonia Sanchez, and Carl Phillips.

The two collections of poetry that have come from Cave Canem are Gathering Ground: A Reader Celebrating Cave Canem’s First Decade (University of Michigan Press) and The Ringing Ear: Black Poets Lean South (The University of Georgia Press).

The Lannan Foundation grant will support Cave Canem’s support staff positions, professional services, and marketing efforts.