Frank X Walker is one of the most accomplished writers and poets to come out of Kentucky. Originally from Danville, Walker forged his own path and gained widespread recognition for his poetry, coining the term “Affrilachia” to highlight the importance of African Americans within the Appalachian Region. He would go on to become the Kentucky Poet Laureate in 2013, the first African American to hold the honor. Now, his influence can be heard through the generations of poets to come after him, and his impact on the Kentucky writing scene cannot be understated.

Join us for the first episode of the UK Arts and Sciences Podcast as we welcome Dr. George C. Wright, distinguished historian, academic leader and University of Kentucky alumnus. Dr. Wright’s journey began at UK in the late 1960s, where he was among the first African American students after desegregation, earning his B.A. and M.A. in history before becoming the first African American to receive a Ph.D. in history from Duke University.