ABOUT
THE GRIOT

MISSION & HISTORY.

The mission of the Griot Collective of West Tennessee is the encouragement of excellence in the writing, reading, study and appreciation of poetry. The Collective meets once a month from September through May for a workshop and sponsors poetry and other literary, social and cultural activities in the community as well.

The Griot Collective of West Tennessee, previously the Griot Writers, was established in 2001. Every month from September through May the collective hosts a monthly workshop and welcomes poets, both published and unpublished to have their works critiqued, learn the art and craft of poetry and received encouragement in a nurturing environment.

A 501c(3) literary arts organization, the Collective engages the community with poetry contests for school age children, open mics, an African American film series and a critical dialogue discussion about issues affecting the community at large.

Each May, the Griot Collective hosts a visiting poet who conducts a workshop and reading open to the public. Such literary notables have included Frank X Walker, Alice Randall, Tim Wise, Jeanie Thompson, Derrick Harriell, Mitchell Douglas, Treasure Redmond and others.