Let the Poets Govern: A Craft Talk With Camonghne Felix
In this hour-long Craft Talk, National Book Award Finalist Camonghne Felix will depart from Let the Poets Govern to reflect on the poetic principles that shape radical political moments. Over the past decade, Camonghne Felix has been at the center of American politics, working in strategy, communications, and as a
read more ▾
speechwriter. Throughout it all, she has maintained her unwavering belief in language’s foundational revolutionary potential, outside of its deployment for legislative and political ends. In Let the Poets Govern, she argues that Black radical poetic traditions model an ethical code and overcome entrenched structures of patriarchy and paternalism, inventing a new form that examines the historical and legislative, and the personal and poetic. Craft Talk in Kray Hall. Also streamed on Zoom with link sent out day of the event. The suggested donation for this event is $10. All donations benefit Poets House. You will be able to choose your contribution amount when you RSVP online or at the door. All are welcome; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. By attending or participating in this program, you agree to abide by our Community Agreement. Events at Poets House are popular, and seating is first-come, first-seated. We have several seats reserved for people with access needs. If events reach capacity, seating will be available in an overflow viewing room. About the Poet Camonghne Felix, poet, essayist and former political communications strategist, is the author of Dyscalculia (One World) and Build Yourself a Boat (Haymarket Books), which was longlisted for the 2019 National Book Award in Poetry. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, Academy of American Poets, Harvard Review, Poetry Magazine, Vanity Fair, New York Magazine, and elsewhere. Her most recent book, Let the Poets Govern: A Declaration of Freedom is a finalist for the 2026 National Book Award for Nonfiction.