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Cornelius Eady
John C. Hodges Chair of Excellence in Poetry, The University of TN Knoxville
Cornelius Eady is a renowned American poet and educator who co-founded the Cave Canem Foundation in 1996 with fellow poet Toi Derricotte.12 As the Vice President and co-founder of Cave Canem, Eady has played a crucial role in supporting and nurturing emerging African American poets through various initiatives.13
Literary Career
Eady is an accomplished poet with several published collections to his name. Some of his notable works include:
- "Victims of the Latest Dance Craze" (1986) - winner of the Lamont Poetry Prize
- "The Gathering of My Name" (1991) - nominated for a Pulitzer Prize
- "Brutal Imagination" (2001) - a National Book Award finalist
- "Hardheaded Weather: New and Selected Poems" (2008)1
His poetry often explores themes of music, family, and the African American experience.1 Eady's work has garnered critical acclaim, with poet June Jordan praising his unique style and imagination.1
Cave Canem Foundation
The Cave Canem Foundation, co-founded by Eady and Derricotte, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting African American poets.13 The foundation offers:
- Summer retreats
- Regional workshops
- First-book prizes
- Annual anthologies
- Events and readings across the country1
Awards and Recognition
Cornelius Eady has received numerous accolades for his contributions to poetry and literature:
- 2023 Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry1
- Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Guggenheim Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, and Lila Wallace–Reader's Digest Fund1
Academic Career
In addition to his work with Cave Canem, Eady holds the position of Hodges chair at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.1 He has also been a Professor of English at Stony Brook University.5
Cornelius Eady's leadership at Cave Canem has been instrumental in fostering the growth of Black poets and addressing their underrepresentation in the literary landscape.34 His commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for African American poets has left a lasting impact on the poetry community.
