Wanda Coleman
In an interview I recorded on November 26, 2000, poet, essayist, activist, literary presence Wanda Coleman talked about the treatment of artists in USAmerica. She lamented the kinds of things poets have to do to make ends meet, activities often antithetical to their art. (Hear that soundbite here.) She never would have envisioned an internet campaign on her behalf, but we’ve started one anyway.
Wanda has been hospitalized with respiratory problems. Her outpatient care will not be covered by insurance, so she is asking for assistance. ***Donation checks can be sent to: Wanda Coleman, P.O. Box 571, Lancaster, CA 93534.*** or click here: https://www.indiegogo.com/Wanda-Coleman
Here’s more information, c/o The Los Angeles Times:
https://www.latimes.com/features/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-poet-wanda-coleman-ill-20121122,0,1382926.story
And her page at the Poetry Foundation:
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/wanda-coleman
Her November 26, 2000 interview with Paul E Nelson: https://paulenelson.com/interviews/wanda-coleman-writing-feedback-system-aid-individuation/
Cuts from interview:
1. On L.A. artistic milieu after Watts riots
2. on her role as Griot or Medium
3. On how writing for Days of Our Lives helped her become a better poet
4. on American Sonnets process
5. (poem) What do to About Billie Holiday
6. Jazz Poetry
7. (poem) For The Sake of the Cool
8. Child of Whitman and plight of the artist in USAmerica
See also this “self-interview.”