Frank X Walker

1. Frank X Walker

2. Artist and Activist �[Art] is the perfect thing to learn to appreciate different cultures, to bring people together who wouldn�t normally socialize together. They might all come to the same exhibit, or reading or pick up the same book. I think it�s that powerful.� Frank X Walker, Ace Magazine

3. A Few Facts� Born in 1961 in Danville, Ky. to Faith and Frank Walker, Sr. Graduate of UK and Spalding University�s MFA in Writing Program Authored 4 Poetry Collections Program Coordinator for University of Kentucky�s Martin Luther King Cultural Center Former Founder and Director of the Bluegrass Black Arts Consortium Creative Writing Instructor at Carnegie Learning Center Arts Director of the Roots Heritage Festival Director of the Kentucky Governor�s School for the Arts Co-founder of the Affrilachian Poets Co-produced award-winning documentary �Coal Black Voices�

4. Affrilachia (af.ruh.LAY.shun) adj. Relating to an African-American who lives in Appalachia. Also: Afrilachian. � Affrilachia n. �What began as a word has become a literary movement filled with powerful voices, whether their writing is personal or political.� Jackie Demaline,�The Cincinnati Enquirer�

5. Affrilachian Poets �The point I�m trying to make is, that what I choose to talk about as an artist, and what I represent, is as important to people who don�t look like me as to those who do. It challenges stereotypes; it offers another image.� Frank X Walker, Ace Magazine

6. Affrilachia

7. Buffalo Dance

8. Educational Vision �I also accept the dual responsibility of existing as a teaching artist and making a commitment to the identification and development of the next generation of young writers and artists.� Frank X Walker, Artist Statement