In 1996 Toi Derricotte and Cornelius Eady put their efforts together to start a home for Black poetry in the USA and Cave Canem was born. Since that time, the organization has impacted thousands of poets through its workshops, outreach programs, and influence. Last year, in 2021, Cave Canem celebrated its 25th anniversary.
This week, the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) Conference, one of the biggest gatherings of writing professionals in the world, takes place in Philadelphia from March 23-26. Thousands of writers, editors, agents, and other stakeholders in the industry will attend this event which will be in person this year, while keeping some virtual access to audiences after the success of that format last year.
Derricotte will give the keynote for the event and will also present a session with Eady that will look at the Cave Canem journey.