October 16, 2002

Japanese-American poet coming to ISU
as part of Speakers Series

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — A poet considered the “Father of Asian-American Literature” is the next speaker in Indiana State University’s University Speakers Series 2002-03.

Lawson Inada, a third generation American, will speak on “The Seven Lessons of Humanity” in conjunction with ISU’s Summer Reading Program Selection, Snow Falling on Cedars. a novel of the experiences one town faced during the internment of Japanese-Americans in World War II. His presentation is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 in ISU’s Hulman Memorial Student Union, Room Dede I. It is free and open to the public.

Inada speaks from personal experience. He was relocated with his family from his home in Fresno, Calif. to internment camps in Arkansas and Colorado. Inada used the experience to make his life a living testimony to the resilience of the human spirit. His approach to life – filled with humor, warmth and hope – is reflected in his poetry and creative workshops and presentations.

Inada’s Before the War, was the first collection of poems by an Asian-American to be published by a major New York publishing house. His creative workshops and presentations are a rich blend of history and poetry that teach the lessons of humanity learned from such events as the Sand Creek Massacre and the U.S. government’s imprisonment of Japanese-Americans. Inada’s work celebrates the things he loves: music, language and the diversity of America. He has been invited to read his works at the White House.

Author of two nationally recognized books, Legends from Camp and Drawing the Line, Inada recently edited Only What We Could Carry, a collection of writings by Japanese-American internees.

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Contact:
Mark Edwards, chair, Speakers Series Committee
(812) 237-3743 or devmark@isugw.indstate.edu

Writer:
Dave Taylor, ISU Public Affairs
(812) 237-3743 or devtaylo@isugw.indstate.edu

ISU Public Affairs:
(812) 237-3773 or http://isunews.indstate.edu