Elizabeth Alexander is Professor of African-American Studies at Yale University.

Find out more information about Professor Alexander’s teaching and Yale African-American Studies.

In 1996 poets Toi Derricotte and Cornelius Eady began a weeklong summer workshop/retreat designed to counter the under-representation and isolation of African American poets in writers’ workshops and literary programs. From the beginning, Cave Canem has offered a safe haven for black poets — whether schooled in MFA programs or poetry slams — to come together to work on their craft and engage others in critical debate. Elizabeth Alexander has been and remains an integral part of the Cave Canem community since its inception, as a summer faculty member, workshop leader in New York and Minnesota, co-Creator of the Legacy Series, and board member.

Learn more about Cave Canem.