‘Affrilachia’ poet returns to alma mater

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By Adam Warner

UK graduate Frank X Walker aims to challenge what he calls an “all-white literary landscape.”

Walker will be an associate professor for the creative writing program in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of English starting in January, and Vice President for Institutional Diversity J.J. Jackson said he will open up students’ minds.

“Expect great things from Frank,” Jackson said. “He’s an accomplished writer, he understands the concept of creative writing and more importantly, he seems to have a respect and dedication for UK in general.”

Walker is the founder of the term “Affrilachia,” which describes the African-American culture in Appalachia, and the co-founder of Affrilachian Poets, which aims to spread the message that artists of color are as much a part of the Appalachian region as whites, according to his Web site.

Walker has also published numerous other literary pieces, including “America! What’s My Name? The ‘Other’ Poets Unfurl the Flag,” “Black Box” and “When Winter Come: the Ascension of York.”

Jackson said the university has been working to improve diversity at UK, and that it takes many different areas to improve in this.

“The provost has been working hard to bring diversity to UK. In order for an institution to be great, it must be well diversified in many different areas,” Jackson said.

Walker is also the founder and editor of “Pluck! The Journal of Affrilachian Arts & Culture,” a magazine that celebrates literature, images and essays written from the Appalachian region, according to its Web site.

Lisa Brown, director of student and multicultural affairs for the School of Journalism and Telecommunications, went to school with Walker and described him as an big-brother figure.

“He’s a son of UK and has a passion for writing,” Brown said. “He’s a wonderful artist and will truly exemplify what UK is all about.”

Brown said Walker’s ability to teach is one of his many strengths.

“He has so many talents and abilities. He has a doctorate degree and he’s extremely passionate,” Brown said. “But he’s very complacent as well. He’s so humble, that it just seems like he’s your next door neighbor.”

For more information on Walker and his accomplishments, visit his Web site, (http://www.frankxwalker.com/about.htm).