TruArtSpeaks is proud to announce the official book release event for the inaugural Saint Paul Youth Poet Laureate, Donte Collins. The book, entitled “Softer,” contains all new work from the poet whom the Academy of American Poets named the “Most Promising Young Poet” of 2016.

The event, to be held on Tuesday, September 5 at the Black Dog Café in Saint Paul, will be a joint book release with poet Danez Smith, whose new book, “Don’t Call Us Dead,” will be released by Graywolf Press. Smith, winner of the Kate Tufts Discovery Award and the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Poetry, also served as the official Saint Paul Youth Poet Laureate mentor, working with Collins to shape and edit their collection.

The Saint Paul Youth Poet Laureate program kicked off this year with support in the form of a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation (as part of its KnightArts Challenge). After a competitive round of submissions and a live poetry slam, Collins earned the title, and has already performed at a number of Saint Paul events while working on their manuscript. This event will be the debut performance of these poems. Find more on TruArtSpeaks at www.TruArtSpeaks.org.

Book Release Celebration, Reading & Signing:
•Donte Collins: Softer (TruArtSpeaks/Arcata Press; $10)
•Danez Smith: Don’t Call Us Dead (Graywolf Press; $16)
Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at The Black Dog Café in Saint Paul; 7pm. Free. Limited Seating.

Reserve Your Ticket Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/joint-book-release-party-for-danez-smith-donte-collins-tickets-36668195560

Hosted by Tish Jones and Keno Evol
Also featuring Sarah Ogutu and Hieu Minh Nguyen

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once owned newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy.