Michael Kleber-Diggs is a poet, essayist, and literary critic. His debut poetry collection, Worldly Things, won the Max Ritvo Poetry Prize and will be published by Milkweed Editions in June of this year. Among other places, Michael’s writing has appeared or is forthcoming in Great River Review, Water~Stone Review, Poem-a-Day, Poetry Daily, Poetry Northwest, Potomac Review, Hunger Mountain, Memorious, and a few anthologies. His essay “On the Complex Flavors of Black Joy,” is included in “There’s a Revolution Outside, My Love: Letters from a Crisis,” edited by Tracy K. Smith and John Freeman. Michael is a past Fellow with the Givens Foundation for African American Literature, a past-winner of the Loft Mentor Series in Poetry, and the former Poet Laureate of Anoka County libraries. Michael is married to Karen Kleber-Diggs, a tropical horticulturist and orchid specialist. Karen and Michael have a daughter who is pursuing a BFA in Dance Performance at SUNY Purchase.
“Progress is not possible without understanding.”
This is an important and, at times, painful conversation about Michael’s work and the nature of race in this country. But its also a conversation infused with love, hope, and the desire to understand each other. I’m grateful to Michael for his openness and honesty and his willingness to have this conversation with me.
Michael’s books:
- Worldly Things
- There’s a Revolution Outside, My Love: Letters From a Crisis ed. by Tracy K. Smith and John Freeman
Other people mentioned in this episode:
Other books mentioned in this episode:
Like what you read here? Click the “Subscribe” button on the right side of the page and get each new blog post delivered to your inbox.
As always, please leave your comments below, both good and bad. We love to hear from you.
