Yusef Komunyakaa
Keynote Speaker: Pulitzer Prize Winning Poet Writing About Culture, War, and Identity; Professor & Distinguished Senior Poet at New York University
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Yusef Komunyakaa Biography
Yusef Komunyakaa, born in Bogalusa, Louisiana, is a renowned poet whose work intertwines personal narrative with jazz rhythms, vernacular language, and the complexities of war and identity. Raised in a family deeply rooted in the church, he was first introduced to the power of language through his grandparents' biblical speech. His poetic sensibility was further shaped by his experiences serving in the Vietnam War, where he worked as a correspondent and managing editor of The Southern Cross. His service earned him a Bronze Star, and he later pursued higher education, receiving a BA from the University of Colorado Springs, an MA from Colorado State University, and an MFA from the University of California-Irvine.
Komunyakaa’s poetry explores the intersections of personal history, African American identity, and the brutal realities of war. His early works, "Dedications & Other Darkhorses" (1977) and "Lost in the Bonewheel Factory" (1979), set the stage for his later recognition. His 1984 collection Copacetic brought him widespread acclaim, showcasing his unique style that blends vernacular speech with jazz-inspired rhythms. His 1986 collection "I Apologize for the Eyes in My Head" won the San Francisco Poetry Center Award, while "Dien Cai Dau" (1988), a collection rooted in his Vietnam War experiences, is considered one of the best works of war poetry from that era. The book’s stark portrayal of African American soldiers and the Vietnam landscape has been lauded for its haunting immediacy and innovative use of language.
In 1994, Komunyakaa’s "Neon Vernacular: New and Selected Poems" won the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. The collection draws on themes of Southern culture, African American resilience, war, urban experience, and musical forms like blues and jazz. His work’s distinctive rhythm and simple yet powerful language create a striking emotional impact, often rising to a crescendo that mirrors the tension and release of a musical composition. Komunyakaa’s influence continued with later collections like "Warhorses" (2008) and "The Chameleon Couch" (2011), along with other notable works that reflect his evolving poetic vision and commitment to cultural and personal storytelling.
Komunyakaa’s career has been marked by numerous honors, including the Wallace Stevens Award, the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, and the Lannan Literary Award for Lifetime Achievement. He has also been recognized for his contributions to poetry education, serving as Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets from 1999 to 2005. Komunyakaa has taught at prestigious institutions such as the University of New Orleans, Indiana University, and Princeton University. Currently, he is Distinguished Senior Poet at New York University's graduate creative writing program. Through his work and mentorship, Komunyakaa continues to inspire and shape contemporary poetry, blending lyrical mastery with deep personal and cultural insight.
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Yusef Komunyakaa Videos
How do I book Yusef Komunyakaa to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Yusef Komunyakaa for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Yusef Komunyakaa, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Yusef Komunyakaa or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Yusef Komunyakaa for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Yusef Komunyakaa, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a virtual event is $10,000 - $20,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Yusef Komunyakaa, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Yusef Komunyakaa speak about?
Yusef Komunyakaa is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Innovation, Authors, Music, Poetry, Creativity, Creative Writing, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Social Activism, Diversity & Inclusion, Business and Culture.
Where does Yusef Komunyakaa travel from?
Yusef Komunyakaa generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Yusef Komunyakaa?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Yusef Komunyakaa for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Yusef Komunyakaa for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Yusef Komunyakaa or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Yusef Komunyakaa is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Innovation, Authors and Music. The estimated speaking fee range to book Yusef Komunyakaa for virtual events is $10,000 - $20,000. Please contact us for live event fees. Yusef Komunyakaa generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Naima Coster, Dr. Cornel West and Angela Davis. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Yusef Komunyakaa for an upcoming event.
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Yusef Komunyakaa Reviews
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it was great to see him and I very much enjoyed hosting him. His reading was well-attended, and he enchanted with his work, particularly his recitation of "Ode to the Maggot" and his concluding with "Facing It." One of my students said that he wished his life could be narrated by Yusef--such a distinctive voice and style! All around a great experience.
John Carroll University - Oct 24 2014
FAQS
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How do I book Yusef Komunyakaa to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Yusef Komunyakaa for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Yusef Komunyakaa, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Yusef Komunyakaa or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Yusef Komunyakaa for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Yusef Komunyakaa, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a virtual event is $10,000 - $20,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Yusef Komunyakaa, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Yusef Komunyakaa speak about?
Yusef Komunyakaa is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Innovation, Authors, Music, Poetry, Creativity, Creative Writing, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Social Activism, Diversity & Inclusion, Business and Culture. -
Where does Yusef Komunyakaa travel from?
Yusef Komunyakaa generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Yusef Komunyakaa?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Yusef Komunyakaa for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Yusef Komunyakaa for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Yusef Komunyakaa or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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