Embassy of the United States

Embassy News

Black History Month Writer Ignites Imagination

Brenda Flanagan performing at the Children's Library in Almaty.

From February 12 to 21, Brenda Flanagan – acclaimed American writer, poet, and professor of African-American and Caribbean literature at Davidson College – stimulated creativity and shared stories from America’s past.  Her engaging storytelling, spirited personality and knowledge of African-American literature captivated the audiences in Almaty, Astana and Karaganda.

The two week program included meetings, discussions, presentations and workshops in celebration of Black History Month.  Audiences varied from young students at the School for Visually Disabled Children in Almaty to university professors and students, writers and young learners of English. 

This was Brenda’s second visit to Kazakhstan as an Embassy-sponsored speaker.  Brenda’s 2003 visit was so memorable that many attendees were eager to hear her unforgettable words again.  Brenda Flanagan was a marvelous representative for contemporary African-American literature.