James Tokley Brings African-American History To Life

February 14, 2007

Tampa’s Poet Laureate Brings African-American History To Life For African American History Month On Feb. 21 At Saint Leo University

– African-American poet James Tokley, the City of Tampa’s first official poet laureate, will bring the culture and history of African-Americans to life on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at Saint Leo University. In celebration of African American History Month, Tokley will perform and discuss his writing craft from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Southard Room of Cannon Memorial Library on University Campus. Saint Leo invites the local communities to enjoy this special event that is free and open to the public. For directions and more information call (352) 588-8572.        

James Tokley Brings African-American History To Life Tokley read his poem “A Meeting of the People,' written for the inauguration of Governor Charlie Crist, during the inauguration ceremony on Jan. 2, in Tallahassee, Fla. He has written poems for former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, and is the unofficial poet laureate of the National Urban League.

Three of his works are published as exhibits. “Song of the Hillsborough,' representing Hillsborough County, Fla., during its millennium celebration, is part of the White House Millennium traveling exhibit. The epic poem “The Saga of Saint Benedict School,' was reproduced in a strip of granite, measuring 28 feet by 18 inches, and is located in the historic Ybor City district. “Leviathan,' a poem about a great blue whale, is reproduced in mammoth proportions, measuring 63 feet high and 45 feet wide – and displayed at Park Tower in downtown Tampa.

Chartered in 1889, north of Tampa in St. Leo, Fla., Saint Leo University is one of the largest and most innovative Catholic universities in the United States. Students enrolled at Saint Leo may choose from more than 41 academic programs, including bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, pre-professional and accelerated-learning programs.

As one of the leading providers of higher education to the military and a leader in online higher education, Saint Leo’s enrollment includes more than 13,000 students at the traditional University Campus and 15 regional centers throughout Florida, California, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia, and through the Center for Online Learning. For more information, visit www.saintleo.edu.

Press Contacts:

Susan Shoulet

director of public relations
(352) 588-8121

Sally Guignon
communications specialist
(352) 588-8237