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English Literature and Composition
AP Annual Conference Submission
Enithie Hunter
English Teacher
The Lawrenceville School
Just as black writers in literature are ever-increasing, students' demand for such voices is on the rise as well. Teachers in this session will explore the works of four dynamic authors: Yaa Gayasi (2017 American Book Award, National Critic's Circle's First Book and Pen Hemingway award winner), Zadie Smith (2006 Women's Prize for Fiction and 2000 The Guardian New Book Prize winner), Jesmyn Ward (2017 and 2011 National Book Award winner), and Colson Whitehead (2017 Pulitzer Prize and 2016 National Book Award winner). We will also read the works of three brilliant young poets: Joshua Bennett, Jamaal May, and Tracy K. Smith (2018 United States' Poet Laureate). Participants will explore how varied racial identities and experiences as well as competing voices and narratives impact the teaching of black literature and the black experience.