Essex Hemphill—the openly gay, African-American poet and author—truly was a force of nature. Groundbreaking, Mr. Hemphill blazed the way for talents including James Earl Hardy, E. Lynn Harris…and myself. So, in celebration of Black History Month, I pay homage to this gifted artist—who certainly was before his time. And left us way too soon. Despite a relatively short literary career, Hemphill is [...]
Today, April 16, is the birthday of Mr. Essex Hemphill--the groundbreaking and iconic openly gay African-American author, poet and performance artist. He would’ve been 59. I was fortunate to call Essex a dear friend. So, in celebration of his extraordinary life and awesome talent, I’m re-running one of my tributes to him. Visit: death-claims-a-phenom-way-too-soon-a-tribute-to-essex-hemphill
This month, Essex Hemphill—the openly gay, African-American poet and author—would’ve turned 58. Truly groundbreaking, Mr. Hemphill blazed the way for talents including James Earl Hardy, E. Lynn Harris…and myself. I cannot allow the month of April to fade away before I pay homage to this gifted artist—who certainly was before his time. Therefore, I’m reprinting my Huffington Post tribute, [...]
