Though born in Ghana, author, playwright, and poet Dr. Kwame Dawes takes much of his inspiration from his home in Jamaica–where he spent much of his adult life. That inspiration–rather, Kwame’s depictions of it, are what put the award-winning poet on the map.

Through the years, Kwame has collaborated with musicians and artists–including poet and musician Kevin Simmonds–to create a dynamic series of performances based on his poetry that have proven to be some of the most compelling and challenging presentations of poetry being performed today. Formerly the director of the University of South Carolina Arts Institute, Kwame currently serves as the Glenna Luschei Editor of Prairie Schooner and as a Chancellor’s Professor of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Under Kwame’s influence, the written world has found its way to Nebraska–connecting arts and culture with his surrounding community. This global impact on the local arts scene will undoubtedly continue to leave the writer’s mark for years to come.