History as the First Black Woman to
Serve as Poet Laureate of St. Louis[/trx_title]
Shirley Bradley LeFlore was installed as St. Louis’ second poet laureate on November 9, 2018, following Michael Castro, who served as the first St. Louis Poet Laureate. LeFlore, born and raised in St. Louis, received this honor from Lewis Reed, president of the Board of Aldermen at City Hall, with U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay and Alderman Terry Kennedy, both of whom are longtime friends of LeFlore, who praised her 50 year career and literary achievements.
2Leaf Press has had the great pleasure to publish Shirley’s first poetry collection, Brassbones and Rainbows, and Rivers of Woman, The Play to coincide with its sold-out performances at the St. Louis History Museum in 2013.
Some poets want to publish books with cookie-cutter frequency. Other poets spend years carefully crafting poems, allowing them to age like fine wine and cheese. LeFlore chose the latter, in part because of her busy lifestyle: working, going to school, and raising her daughters; laced with extracurricular activities that included performing music and poetry, and participating in community projects. She often felt that while she published poems in numerous books and publications, she should have published her first book much sooner. But when you read Brassbones and Rainbows, one quickly realizes that this collection was published exactly when it needed to be, and not a moment too soon. LeFlore, the consummate poet, created a superb volume that contains all of her classic poems that are interwoven into tales that could only come from a black woman from the south, ensconced in blues and jazz. The poems sing. They are glorious.
Rivers of Women, The Play is a choreopoem based on LeFlore’s poem of the same name. The book, which is presented in a play format surrounded by photographs by Michael Bracey, features her most prolific works rooted in the stories and voices of women through music, poetry and dance created for the stage. Performed by an all-female cast, LeFlore’s powerful poetry is peppered with a dash of storefront psychology and humor as she explores family, history, male-female relationships, woman-to-woman experiences, views on race, religion, social issues and politics. Through original score, spirituals, contemporary gospel, blues, jazz, and rhythm and blues, Rivers of Women uses music and dance to interpret this breathtaking choreopoem. When you read this collection, you can hear and feel the music. Why? Long before the chants of the #Metoo movement, LeFlore, the quintessential story singer, has always used her craft to showcase the value of women –giving people a glimpse into the heart of women, the soul of women, the frivolity of women, the freedom of women, the bondage of women – in every aspect of their lives.
In the last paragraph to my introduction to Brassbones & Rainbows, which by the way, LeFlore insisted I write, I note the following:
In this long-awaited debut collection, Shirley proves that she is a true griot who values her role as “Poet.” What Brassbones & Rainbows accomplishes is that it showcases an innovative writer who has been left out of too many critical discussions because she did not match the popular paradigm of her era. Let’s just hope that after all these years, Shirley will finally receive the recognition she deserves, from poetry aficionados, students of poetry, and the many remarkable generations of women writers to come.
Thank God that the people of St. Louis have officiated the talents of its daughter, Shirley Bradley LeFlore: a remarkable mother, grandmother, teacher, community activist and literary artist. It is fitting that she has been anointed the honor of becoming the first black woman Poet Laureate of St. Louis. It is a recognition that has been long overdue, and during her tenure I hope people will learn more about Shirley Bradley LeFlore and her great works by the words she puts in our hearts.”
Performing artist, writer and educator Shirley LeFlore is new St. Louis Poet Laureate, St. Louis Public Radio
Word warrior: Shirley LeFlore brings 50 years of performance as new St. Louis poet laureate, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
LeFlore installed as city’s Poet Laureate during City Hall civic ceremony, The St. Louis American
