Illinois’ new Poet Laureate talks about his writing, mission and his Native American identity

Mark Turcotte has been selected as Illinois' next Poet Laureate. His four year term begins July 1. 

Turcotte had previosly been a fixture on Chicago's poetry scene in the '90s. In 1993, he won the inaurugral Gwendolyn Brooks Open-mic Poetry Award, and the Josephine Gates Kely Memorial Fellowship from the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers in 1997. 

He is also the author of several books, including The Feathered Heart, Songs of Our Ancestors and Exploding Chippewas. 

He joined us on The 21st Show to talk about how his lived experiences has shaped his writing, his Native American identity and what he hopes to accomplish as Poet Laureate. 

GUEST

Mark Turcotte
Senior Lecturer & Distinguished Writer-in-Resident, DePaul University Department of English
Illinois' 6th Poet Laureate