LSU’s Hill Memorial Library hosted “Afternoon in the Archives” on April 18, honoring African American poetry and showcasing its Spring exhibit, which opened in February.
The event was to honor the Wyatt Houston Day collection of poetry, a diverse collection of pieces partially bought and donated to the library. Librarian Alia Kempton, who coordinated the event, said its purpose was to highlight items from lesser-known writers, including Phillis Wheatly and Langston Hughes.
“This is one of the largest, most comprehensive collections of African American poetry, and we are proud and humbled to care for the items in this collection,” Kempton said.
The collection serves to fill in existing gaps within the library’s own collection, Kempton said. By incorporating more material from Black, brown and indigenous communities, the archives give more light to usually overlooked groups.
Blackout poetry, an array of stickers and button making of African American authors, were set up for the event.
“This event was about uplifting, highlighting and rejoicing in the creative works of African Americans and their contributions to literature, poetry, political thought and the written and spoken word,” Kempton said.
Kempton said she is hoping to change the image of Hill Memorial Library as a place of meaningful change. By diversifying and incorporating more work, she hopes it brings in more students and attention.
“Many students find this library to be intimidating or uncomfortable,” Kempton said. “We want students to know that when they visit our quiet study room or events, they are welcome.”
Kinesiology freshman Megan Baker was at the event for a class when she visited. Baker said she really enjoyed the blackout poetry and thought it was a really interesting thing for students to get to be involved in.
“I took one of the poems and crossed out words to create my own poem,” Baker said.
Sociology sophomore Kytiere Lazard said it was her second time visiting the exhibit. She participated in blackout poetry and made buttons.
“When I came the first time, I liked seeing all the writers that they had,” Lazard said. “They were all preserved and authentic as well, so you could really feel the emotion behind it.”
In the past, Hill Memorial Library has been involved in similar efforts, including connecting family members to their relatives’ lost poetry. Through this event, they are hoping to further education on lesser-known poets and bring more knowledge campus-wide.
“I think there is a certain magic in holding a first edition book or something that has been signed by the author or even an item from the 1800s,” Kempton said. “We want all members of the LSU campus to be able to experience that.”
