CURTIS L. CRISLER Purdue University Fort Wayne 5604 Woodshire Drive, #7

English & Linguistics Department, LA115 Fort Wayne, IN 46835

2101 East Coliseum Boulevard (260) 403-7126 (cell)

Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 481-6769 (office)

crislerc@pfw.edu

EDUCATION

Southern Illinois University Carbondale, MFA (Master of Fine Arts), Poetry (2004)

Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) English;

Minor: Theatre (1999)

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

Purdue University Fort Wayne (once) Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne

Associate Professor of English (2014-)

Assistant Professor of English (2008-2014)

Visiting Assistant Professor of English (2007-2008; Fall 2005-Spring 2006)

Limited Term-Lecturer (2006-2007, 2004-2005)

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Graduate Teaching Assistant 2001-2004

Creative Writing Teacher (Poetry) at New School, Carbondale, Illinois (2002-

2003)

PUBLICATIONS (Books, Poetry, and Scholarship)

Full-length Books of Poetry

Indiana Nocturne(s): Our Rural and Urban Patchwork. Collection of poetry with Kevin

McKelvey, NY: Nebo Media Group. Editor’s choice. (in-press).

THe GReY aLBuM [PoeMS]. Collection of poetry, Kentucky: Steel Toe Books. Selected

winner of Steel Toe Books Fall 2016 Open Reading Period. April 2018. 93 pages.

Don’t Moan So Much (Stevie): A Poetry Musiquarium. Collection of poetry, Somerville:

Kattywompus, March 12, 2016. Editor’s Choice. 81 pages.

“This” Ameri-can-ah. Collection of poetry, DC: Cherry Castle Publishing, February 1,

2016. Editor’s Choice. 78 pages.

Pulling Scabs. Collection of poetry, Detroit: Willow Books, Aquarius Press, 2009.

Editor-Publisher’s Choice. Editor: Dr. Randall Horton. Publisher: Heather

Buchanan. 105 pages.

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Full-length Books of Poetry in Young Adult (YA)

Tough Boy Sonatas. Collection of poetry, Pennsylvania: Wordsong, Boyds Mills Press,

Inc., 2007. Editor’s Choice. Editor: Stephen Roxburgh. 86 pages.

Full-length Books of Poetry in Young Adult (YA) Audio

Tough Boy Sonatas: (An unabridged performance by Kevin R. Free, Dion Graham, and

JD Jackson; recorded by arrangement with Boyds Mills Press). Collection of

poetry, Prince Frederick: Recorded Books, LLC, 2008. 2 disks: 1.5 hours.

Full-length Books in Young Adult (YA) Mixed-Genre

Dreamist: a mixed-genre novel. Collection of poetry and prose, Detroit: Jordan’s

Rainbow (YA), Aquarius Press. 2011. Committee Choice. 124 pages.

Full-length Books on Craft Mixed-Genre

Playbook for an Urban Midwestern Sensibility (Crafting Work Cross-Genres). Collection

of poetry, fiction, drama, and essays. 2015 (in-press).

Poetry Chapbooks (smaller collections)

Black Achilles. Collection of poetry, Lexington, KT: Accents Publishing, 2015. Editor’s

Choice. 28 pages.

Wonderkind. Collection of poetry, Detroit, MI: Aquarius Press, 2014. Editor’s Choice. 35

pages.

Soundtrack to Latchkey Boy. Collection of poetry, Georgetown: Finishing Line Press,

2012. 23 pages.

Spill. Collection of poetry, Nashville: Keyhole Press, 2008. Winner of the 2008 Keyhole

Magazine Chapbook Contest. 32 pages.

ESSAYS (Scholarly)

Essays in Journals

“Eady Makes the Difficult Simple: Going from the Minors to Majors.” In a Global

Context: Essays of the International Symposium on African American Literature.

Eds. Nie Zhenzhao and Luo Lianggong. Fall 2011: 125-134.

“From Hughes to Komunyakaa: The Major Influences in Poetics and Politics from a

Minor Genre.” Proceedings of the International Conference on the 20th-Century

American Poetry. Eds. Nie Zhenzhao and Luo Lianggong. Fall 2009: 125-130.

Essays on Blogs

“Formulating resis-stance.” http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2014/09/911-and-artistic-

experience.html2015.

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PUBLICATIONS (Poetry in Anthologies, Journals, and Magazines)

National, Regional, & International Journals, Magazines, and Anthologies (full

citations in Appendix A)

“Her First Flag” and “McLaren Rocks his Dome.” Bop, Strut, and Dance: A Post Blues

Form for New Generations (in press)

“Boxing Arethas” and “Living in Grey Matters (a pattern).” Furious Flower: Seeding the

Future of African American Poetry, (in press)

“Niko.” Undead: A Poetry Anthology of Ghosts, Ghouls, and More, August 2018.

“Black to Black.” The Southhampton Review, Summer/Fall 2018.

“T-Storm Ghazal” and “Title in Deed.” The Indianapolis Review, Issue 5: Summer 2018,

online (2018)

“Tuesday’s divorce cramps.” The Golden Shovel Anthology. Fayetteville: University of

Arkansas Press, February 2017.

“When Neighbors Can’t Be Neighbors Bop.” Resist Much Obey Little: Inaugural Poems

to the Resistance, online (2017)

“For You (Mr. Nelson).” Delaware Poetry Review, online (2017)

“chromatics.” “The Skinny” Poetry Journal, (2016)

“When your mother corrects the Indiana Poet Laureate and you feel like yelling.” Not

Like the Rest of Us: An Anthology of Contemporary Indiana Writers, (2016)

“When Neighbors Can’t Be Neighbors Bop,” A Poem for Refugees on https://a poemfor

refugees.wordpress.com/, (2016)

An Anthology of Chicago Poetry: City of the Big Shoulders, ed. by Ryan G. Van Cleave.

Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, (2012)

“Homage to the good foot”: Untitled James Brown Anthology, (2011) Our Common

Suffering: Anthology of Poets in Memoriam 2008 Sichuan Earthquake. Spring

(2009)

The Ringing Ear: Black Poets Lean South: A Cave Canem Anthology. The University of

Georgia Press, (2007)

In the Eye: A Collection of Writings. Thunder Rain Publishing Corporation (2007)

Fingernails Across a Chalkboard: Anthology: Poetry and Prose on HIV/AIDS from the

Black Diaspora. Third World Press, (2007)

Gathering Ground: A Reader Celebrating Cave Canem’s First Decade. The University

of Michigan Press, (2006)

Only the Sea Keeps: Poetry of the Tsunami. Bayeux Arts, Inc. (2005)

The Fourth River: Nature and Culture (2005)

Cave Canem Anthology (2003)

National Anthologies for Young Adult

“Jean-Michel Basquiat’s boyhood song.” Dare To Dream…Change The World. Ed. Jill

Corcoran. USA: Kane Miller, a Division of EDC Publishing, 2012.

Journals and Magazines (selected listing: a complete list and full citations in Poetry

Appendix A)

The Southhampton Review, The Indianapolis Review, African American Literature,

African American Review, Delaware Poetry Review, African Voices: A Soulful Collection

of Art and Literature, Ambulant, anti-, Apples and Oranges Poetry Magazine, Arts

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Kaleidoscope Presents: Arts & Poems, Callaloo. Columbia Poetry Review, Copper

Nickel: a journal of art and literature, Crab Orchard Review, CUE: Journal of Prose

Poetry, Elixir 6 (Special Double Issue), Essence: (Obama Inauguration Special), HEArt

(Human Equity through Art), In Our Own Words, Kweli Journal, Map Points, muse

apprentice guild (m.a.g.), Obsidian II, Obsidian III, Penumbra, Poetry Midwest, PLUCK:

The Journal of Affrilachian Arts & Culture, The Amistad, The Drunken Boat: Cave

Canem Issue, The Flying Island, The Ninth Letter, The November 3rd Club, “The Skinny”

Poetry Journal, Tidal Basin Review, Re)verb, Reverie: Midwest African American

Literature, Sou’wester, Valley Voices: A Literary Review, WarpLand, XCP: Cross-

Cultural Poetics, XCP: streetnotes, and many others.

Publications (Short Prose Fiction)

“The Gift.” The New Sound: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Arts and Literature.

Volume I, Number I Spring, 2012: 84-98.

“Coming Back Home.” Pindeldyboz. January 2003. http://www.pindeldyboz.com/clc.

home.htm.

Publications (Drama)

Fade. Eleven Eleven: Journal of Literature & Art, Winter Issue #18 (online), January

2015. San Francisco, CA. http://elevenelevenjournal.com/2014/12/03/curtis-l-

crisler/.

Last Stop to Dine. Sojourn: A Journal of the Arts. Dallas, TX. Spring/Summer, 2003.

Other Publications Related to Poetry

Book Reviews

Review of Slag. Valley Voices: A Literary Review, V15, N1, Spring 2015: 125-129.

Review of My Father’s Kites. Reverie: Midwest African American Literature, Volume 4,

2010 Annual, 23-27. Reviewed by New Pages: Literary Magazine Reviews.

February 15, 2011 (online edition).

Review of Song of Thieves. Crab Orchard Review, Vol.9, No. 2, 2004: 239-242.

Review of How We Came to Stand on That Shore. Crab Orchard Review, Vol. 9, No. 2,

2004: 237-239.

Review of Cornbread Nation 1: The Best of Southern Food Writing. Crab Orchard

Review, Vol.8, No. 2, 2003: 252-255.

Q & A Conducted with Other Writers

“A Conversation with Aquarius Press Legacy Award Recipient Allison Joseph” for My

Father’s Kites. Reverie: Midwest African American Literature, 2010 Annual,

Volume 4, 19-22.

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Grants

State

Granted a full sabbatical from IPFW for fall 2015.

2014 Library Scholars Grant Awards, awarded monies to travel and examine the African-

American artist, Jacob Lawrence, and the entire 60 panels of his “Migration Series.”

Also, he attends regional/local museums to gather historical documentation to address

what he coins his “urban Midwestern sensibility.” 2014-2015. ($2,158).

Indiana Artist’s Fellowship, Indiana Arts Commission. Awarded a grant to support my

poetry, 2013-2014. ($2,000).

Indiana Artist’s Fellowship, Indiana Arts Commission. Awarded a grant to support my

poetry, 2006. ($1,000)

National

Liberal Education and America’s Promise: (LEAP) Grant, from (the Association of

American Colleges and Universities, Washington, D.C.). Awarded to Dr. Quinton Dixie,

Dr. Deborah Starks, Christopher Douse and me for two semester Learning Community

addressing the culture and lackluster retention and graduation rate of African American

males on IPFW’s campus. Fall 2010-Spring 2011 ($2,000). Collaborated in a LC with Dr.

Dixie, using English and Philosophy to address the history and culture of African

American males through the theory and practice of philosophy and creative writing.

(Spring 2011).

Awards, Honors, and Recognition

Poetry Book Awards

THe GReY aLBuM [PoeMS]. Collection of poetry, Kentucky: Steel Toe Books. Winner.

April 2018. ($500 + 20 copies).

Full-length Books of Poetry in Young Adult (YA)

Tough Boy Sonatas. Collection of poetry, Pennsylvania: Wordsong, Boyds Mills Press,

Inc., 2007. Editor’s Choice. Editor: Stephen Roxburgh. 86 pages. ($3000.00

contract + residuals for 10 years).

Poetry Chapbook Awards

Keyhole Press’s Keyhole Magazine Chapbook Contest (winner of Open Competition for

chapbook, Spill): 2008. ($250 + 25 copies). Presented Spill at book publication

(the winning chapbook of Keyhole Magazine Chapbook Contest) with Ross Gay

and Eugene Gloria at Boxcar Bookstore in Bloomington, Indiana, November 1,

2008.

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Awards and Honors for books

The Ted Hipple Special Collection of Autographed Young Adult Literature accepted my

books, Tough Boy Sonatas, and Dreamist (a mixed genre novel)—along with both

manuscripts, for their “collection of 6,200 autographed books at the University of South

Florida, in Tampa.” Fall 2018.

Nominated for the Eugene & Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award and The Indianapolis

Public Library Foundation in the “Regional Author Category,” 2018.

2017 Eric Hoffer Award Honorable Mention for “This” Ameri-can-ah (poetry book).

2016 Jessie Redmon Fauset Book Award Finalist for “This” Ameri-can-ah. August 20,

2016.

2016 Eric Hoffer Award Honorable Mention for Black Achilles (chapbook).

2016 Montaigne Medal Finalist for Dreamist: a mixed genre novel (Jordan’s Rainbow

YA Books).

Notable Books for a Global Society Award for the anthology Dare To Dream…Change

The World. Spring 2013.

2013 Best Children’s Book of the Year by the Children’s Book Committee for the

anthology Dare To Dream…Change The World. Fall 2013.

Eureka! Silver Honor Books Award recognition for anthology Dare To Dream…Change

The World. Fall 2012.

Nominee. Pushcart Prize: Pulling Scabs. Collection of poetry, nominated for selection:

2010.

The Eric Hoffer Book Award: “The Da Vinci Eye” for Tough Boy Sonatas (2009).

Recognition for Book

Valparaiso Poetry Review accepted my book THe GReY aLBuM [PoeMS] for their

“Recent and Recommended Books” list. 2018.

The Black Album was a finalist in the 2014 Omnidawn Open. file:///C:/Users/Curtis/

Documents/2015%20Stuff/Crisler%20as%20a%20finalist%20in%20mag%202-Omni

dawn%20Ad-Recto%20Page.pdf.

Individual Poem Awards

“T-Storm Ghazal” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize, 2018.

“Niko (Nee-Koh)” (a poem from my book, THe GReY aLBuM [PoeMS]) was showcased

on Verse Daily. October 23, 2018.

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"Blessed rancor of music." Editor's Choice for the Christmas issue of the Tipton Poetry

Journal. December 2012. ($100).

“I’m singing this poem for you (draft #33)” Copper Nickel: a journal of art and literature

#15, 2011 (128-129). [A finalist for the Spring 2011 Contest].

Sterling Plumpp First Voices Poetry Competition winner for the poem “Son,” 2002.

($500).

Artisan Poetry First Award Winner for the poem “Ernesto Lived an hour away,” 1996.

($100).

Residencies

City of Asylum/Pittsburgh (COA/P) chose me for a one-month residency. I taught two

workshops addressing, “What gets you to the page gets you to the page.” Also, I did a

public reading with those in the workshop at the COA/P tent. Pittsburgh, PA. July 23,

2014-August 23, 2014. Stipend ($1,250 + room & board in rehabbed house for a month).

Writer-in-Residence, Writers@The Carr Program, sponsored in part by Poets & Writers,

Inc. Detroit. April 5, 2014.

Awarded creative writing residency for my research. Virginia Center for the Creative

Arts. Amherst, VA. (June 2-June 18): 2012. (Room & board).

"The Bond of Modeling the Influences We Treasure, and How Those Influences Treat Us

Right," at residency for MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. Hamline

University, Minnesota. July 18, 2007. ($500 + travel and room & board).

Awarded creative writing residency for my research at Soul Mountain Retreat in Old

Lyme, Connecticut. September 15-September 17: 2006. (Room & board and taxi).

Cave Canem Fellow (graduated after 3-years of residency focusing on my research) at

Cave Canem Retreat, PA. Summer: 2003, 2005, and 2006. (Room and board and

facilities x 3 summers).

TEACHING NOMINATION

Nominated for The Excellence in Teaching Award for the Fall 2016 Induction Award

from The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) at IPFW.

COMMISSIONED WORK

Commissioned to create poem for William Morris exhibit “Myth, Object, and the

Animal” for the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Spring, 2001. ($150).

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UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

Great Men, Then and Now Award for support of the programs and activities for

multicultural services education and youth development. Student /author: youngest to

receive the award at the time). February 25, 1995.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Levan Scott Scholarship, 1995.

William Watson Scholarship, 1994.

POETRY READINGS (Selected listing)

Have presented numerous readings of my poetry, mostly as a feature/d reader, in:

Los Angeles, CA (Midwestern Gothic Reading Series, at Wolf & Crane); Warren, MI

(Career Academy Retreat, at Macomb Community College) ; Griffith, IN (Small

Prestivus, Downtown Griffith, IN); Chicago, IL (The Museum of Americana Reading

Series, at Bucktown-Wicker Park Library); Carbondale, IL (“In the Presence of Spirits,”

at John C. Guyon Auditorium in Morris Library); Fort Wayne, IN (Fellowship

Missionary Church, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Allen County Public Library Indiana

University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Three Rivers Institute of Afrikan Art and

Culture, Northwood Middle School, Three Rivers Food Co-op and Natural Grocery,

Allen County Juvenile Center, LC Ward Education Center, Indiana Tech’s Andorfer

Commons, Soups, Salads, & Spirits (CS3), Wide Open (public access show: ACPL), The

Indiana Chitlin Circuit launch at IPFW, Summit Middle School, Jeff H. Towles

Intermediate School, Canturbury High School, The Bean Café & Teahouse, “Mike Moses

Presents…Art & Soul of the City,” at Snickerz, White Party at the Summit Building), “5th

Sunday Public Square Poetry,” “A Poem for Refugees,” IPFW, (Faculty Reading Series

with Tom Sabel and Curtis L. Crisler, IPFW), (IPFW Faculty Reading Series meets the

Indiana Chitlin Circuit: Featuring IPFW’s Sarah Sandman & Ball State’s Mark Neely,

IPFW), (Appleseed Writing Project: Teachers Teaching Teachers, a Young Writer’s

Showcase, IPFW), (2016 Spring Convention: “Gemstones of Poetry and History: 100

Years of State Parks & 100 Years of James Whitcomb Riley,” Fox Island); Louisville,

KY (The Bard’s Town); Merrillville, IN (Radisson Hotel), Houston, TX (Houston

Community College); Fort Wayne, IN (Fort Wayne Historical Center); Fort Wayne, IN

(IPFW, Suicide Prevention Week); Minneapolis, MN (AWP, off site); Madison, IN

(Village Lights Books); Fort Wayne, IN (IPFW for 2nd Annual Day of Remembrance);

Indianapolis, IN (Sabbatical Reading for Black Poets Speak Out); Harrisonburg, VA

(James Madison University); Pittsburgh, PA (City of Asylum/Pittsburgh); Oakland, PA

(Hemingway Café): http://hemingwayspoetryseries.blogspot.com; Ypsilanti, MI (Black Stone

Bookstore & Cultural Center); Ann Arbor, MI (Bookbound: An Independent Community

Bookstore); Detroit, MI (Carr Center); Hammond, IN (White Ripple Gallery) with Poet

Laureate George Kalamaras and a variety of his students; Fort Wayne, IN (Wunderkam-

mer Company Map Points Release Reading); Fort Wayne, IN (Brass Rail Poetry Month

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Reading); Brooklyn, New York (Willow Books at Cave Canem Reading); Bloomington,

Indiana (Boxcar Books); Detroit, Michigan (Virgil Carr Cultural Center, Aquarius Press

10th Anniversary); East Lansing, Michigan (SSML at Michigan State University, Sum-

mer: 2008, 2009, 2010); Denver, Colorado (AWP Annual Conference & Bookfair);

Washington, DC (Split This Rock at the Thurgood Marshall Center-S, Howard Uni-

versity); Manhattan, Kansas (Kansas State Student Union Little Theater); Indianapolis,

Indiana (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis); Nashville, Tennessee (War

Memorial Plaza); New York, New York (Annual Convention for NCTE, Cave Canem

10th Anniversary); Baltimore, Maryland (AWP); Greensburg, Pennsylvania (University

of Pittsburg); Gary, Indiana (Calumet High School, Roosevelt High School); Carbondale,

Illinois (Southern Illinois University Carbondale); Columbia, South Carolina (University

of South Carolina Palmetto Children’s Poetry Festival); DuPage, Illinois (College of

DuPage); Chicago, Illinois (Mayor Daley’s Book Club at Phillips Academy High School,

23rd African Festival of the Arts: Reflections of Our Culture, AWP Conference, Bronze-

ville at the Blanc Gallery); Muncie, Indiana (Gallery 308); Bowling Green, Kentucky

(10th Anniversary Southern Kentucky Book Fest); Saint Paul, Minnesota (Hamline

University); Lafayette, Indiana (Words on the Go); Austin, Texas (Salute to African

American Writers); South Bend, Indiana (Inauguration of president: Notre Dame

University)

RADIO APPEARANCES

Presented on ACPL Jazz Show (a radio show on 95.7FM), with other local authors

participating in the Sixth Annual Allen County Public Library 2016 Author Fair.

November 4, 2016.

Interviewed by writer/author/literacy advocate/award nominated poet/college instructor

DuEwa Frazier on the program Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio. May 30, 2015.

Interviewed by Dr. Vershawn A. Young for New Books in African American Studies.

http://newbooksnetwork.com/afroamstudies/2012/12/20/curtis-crisler-pulling-scabs-

aquarius-press-2009. February 16, 2012.

“Say It Loud! Readers and Writers: Bringing the Community Together Through

Literature.” A live broadcast with host Patrick M. Oliver on Literary Nation KABF FM

88.3 Little Rock, AR. April 15, 2009.

VIDEO APPEARANCES

Cherry Castle Publishing Trailer featuring Curtis L. Crisler’s “This” Ameri-can-ah:

https://youtu.be/kKn3cYHeD8o. Spring 2016.

Cherry Castle Publishing’s Official Trailer marketing and advertising the press about

why it started, what it’s doing, and what it stands for. Washington, D.C. Fall 2015.

Online: https://youtu.be/IifKIEEwcLE.

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Presented my poem “Magic Man” for Black Poets Speak Out, in wake of the Black Lives

Matter Movement, via video. Summer, 2015. http://blackpoetsspeakout.tumblr.com/

post/127887495351/magic-man-by-curtis-l-crisler.

Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) for the Don Difference, to

promote IPFW, COAS, and the English & Linguistics Department, as well as my work

and teaching. Spring 2015. http://dondifference.ipfw.edu/ blog/curtis-crisler.

FEATURED IN-PRINT, ONLINE, OR BLOG

Interviewed by editor of Landlocked Lyres, Inaugural Issue I, Spring 2018.

Interviewed by the sponsor of the Highland Poet Laureate 2018 National Poetry Month

Indiana Poets Social Media Project in April (Poetry Month). 2018.

Featured in “A Poet Cast in the Key of Life,” by Rootfolks Poets Press before 5th Sunday

Public Square Poetry spring reading. 2018.

Interviewed by Sydney Cohen of Midwestern Gothic for THe Grey aLBuM [PoeMS].

December 14, 2017.

Interviewed by IPFW student workers, Rachel Caruso and Helena C. Schmidt, for online

newsletter highlighting professors in the College of Arts and Science at IPFW. The

interview covered my “research” for an urban Midwestern sensibility (uMs), “tips for

students,” “accomplishments,” and “book review and publishing.” Spring 2017.

Elick, Zachary D. “Talkin’ Nobel Prize Blues: Professors Weigh in on Dylan’s New

Honor.” The Communicator. 26 October 2016, p. 8.

Codling (Ph.D.), Rosetta. “Review the Bookrise: “This” Ameri-can-ah.” The Skinny

Poetry Journal. September 26, 2016.https://theskinnypoetryjournal.wordpress.

com/2016/09/26/reviewing-the-bookrise-this-ameri-can-ah/.

Dewey, Heather. “This is WAC (writing across the curriculum): A poet’s perspective.”

The Draft: There are no red pens here. 29 September 2016, https://writeipfw.

wordpress.com/category/faculty-staff/.

Cooper, Chris Rice. “Sacred Places to Write.” Blog. 15 March 2016. www.chrisrice

cooper.blogspot.com.

Along with many Indiana poets/residents, my work was part of the “Project 411” that

Poet Laureate George Kalamaras put together on The Wabash Water-shed” Where the

Rivers of Tradition Meet the Rivers of Innovation. Since the Wabash River in Indiana run

freely for 411 miles, George used that as an impetus to create the project. Fall, 2015.

http://www.wabashwatershed.com/ 2015/11/01/ project-411-unveiled/.

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Featured/interviewed by West Moss, on her blog, “On Writing.” March 21, 2015. https:

//nwestmoss.wordpress.com/.

Interviewed by James Pfeiffer, for Accents Publishing: An Independent Press for Brilliant

Voices, on their “Accents Publishing Blog.” AP published the chapbook Black Achilles.

March 20, 2015 http://accents-publishing.com/blog/2015/03/20/an-interview-with-curtis-

l-crisler/.

Featured through Accents Publishing: An Independent Press for Brilliant Voices. The

press released our campaign for Black Achilles on the web. Spring, 2015. http://us7.

campaign-archive2.com/?u=80d5abed015c9dc17a4f9e27 4&id=dfb bb4da0a.

Guest Blogger for “I Read YA”: 3-part piece: 1) http://willowlit.net/ 2014/05/22/ dream

ing-the-future-of-ya-literature-part-i/: 2) http://willowlit.net/2014/05/22/dreaming-the-fu

ture-of-ya-literature-part-2: 3) http://willowlit.net/2014/05/24/ dreaming-the-future-of-ya-

literature-part-3/. Summer, 2014.

Featured by Laura Rosenbaum in the “Arts & Entertainment” section of Indiana

University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) The Communicator. October 24,

2012, page 12.

Featured by Ketu Oladuwa for Acoustic SpokenWord Café (ASWC) in the “Arts &

Culture” section of Frost Illustrated. August 22-28, 2012, pages 6, 9.

Featured as one of Indiana’s poets on Indiana Humanities website for NaPoMo for

National Poetry Month, by Indiana’s Poet Laureate, Karen Kovacik (http://www.

indianahumanities.org/thinkreadtalk/index.php/2012/03/national-poetry-month-featuring-

indiana-poets). April 11, 2012.

Featured on The B-sides by W.F. Roby. “They Will Say.” http://readwrite poem. org/

blog/2010/01/12/the-b-sides-curtis-l-crisler. January 13, 2010.

Featured Poet in Re)verb, Issue 4. Winter, 2006.

CONFERENCE PAPERS AND PRESENTATIONS

Presenter, with Detrick Hughes, at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. We provided

creative writing endeavors for the campus because the HBCU lacks such opportunities.

We plan to continue this venture. April 5, 2019.

Presenter, with Detrick Hughes, at Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas. We

provided creative writing endeavors for the campus because the HBCU lacks such

opportunities. We plan to continue this venture. April 4, 2019.

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Presenter/panelist at Rosie Con Book Festival at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis,

Indiana. March 16, 2019.

Presented “Playbook for an Urban Midwestern Sensibility: Crafting Work Cross-Genres”

as past recipient of the Library Scholars Grant at the Library Scholars Grant Recognition

Luncheon at Purdue Memorial Union East Faculty Lounge. March 9, 2017.

Panelist for I Am Not Your Negro documentary (panel discussion) on James Baldwin at

the Cinema Center. Co-panelists: Dr. Timothy Lake (Wabash College) and Roberta

Ridley (Chair women at The African American Genealogical Society of Fort Wayne),

and moderated by Craig Nix. February 17, 2017.

“High on Cane: Back Then, and Up to Now” presentation for “Back to the Future: 1923”

panel. Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) Annual Conference.

Washington, D.C. Co-panelists: John Bradley, George Kalamaras, Patrick Lawler, and

Susan Azar Porterfield. February 10, 2017.

Presented at the Appleseed Writing Project: Teachers Teaching Teachers, a Young

Writer’s Showcase. I discussed “Being in the Right Place at the Right Time,” a

retrospective on how so many of the things that I liked throughout my life, such as comic

books, reading, anime, sports, music, and dancing transitioned into my writing, and how

those things matter, can be huge influences in later years in your career. Saturday,

October 8, 2016.

“Midwestern Gothic,” hosted by the museum of americana. An offsite, Association of

Writers & Writing Programs (AWP), reading in California, LA., at Wolf & Crane. April

2, 2016.

Presented “Writing the State Line” with co-panalists/writers Jason Lee Brown, Mary

Morris, and Kevin McKelvey, at the 2015 Steel Pen Writer’s Conference in Merrillville,

IN at the Radisson Hotel. October 10, 2015.

Presented, along with panelists/writers Elena Radulescu and Bryan Owens, at the

American Roots Reading Series Fall Reading, Houston, TX. October 6, 2015.

Presented the poem “Gangsta love” for Suicide Prevention Week in Indiana University-

Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) International Ball Room. September 23, 2015.

Presented the poem, “Now they talking new rivers” in memory of Dr. Beverly Hume for

the 2nd Annual Day of Remembrance. April 26, 2015.

Presented off-site at Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) Annual

Conference, in Minnesota. Read for Willow Books, in conjunction with Aquarius Press,

as well as watched the tables for Aquarius Press at the Conference Book Fair. April 9-12,

2015.

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Presented at Poetpalooza: A Tri-State Poetry Summit, featured by the independent

publisher Accents Publishing. April 3-4, 2015.

Presented, along with Caitlyn Bushnell, Tasha Bushnell, Mary Ann Cain, Helen Frost,

Omowale-Ketu Oladuwa, and host and Indiana’s Poet Laureate, George Kalamaras. "A

Celebration of Community and Collective Empowerment" at the Fort Wayne Historical

Center was sponsored by the local bookseller, Hyde Brothers. Fort Wayne, IN. January

23, 2015.

“Finding Your Voice through the Voices of Others: Learning Critical Thinking and

Analytical Skills through the Poetics of Contemporary Poets.” 56th Annual Convention

for Midwest Modern Language Association (MMLA): “Life in the City: Politics,

Pedagogy, and Multicultural Literature in the College Classroom.” Dearborn, MI. (Co-

panelists: Reginald Flood and Qiana Towns) November 14, 2014.

“The Wonderkind Persona in Urban America.” 56th Annual Convention for Midwest

Modern Language Association (MMLA): “The Living City: Perspectives on Writing

Persona & Narrative Poetry.” Dearborn, MI. (Co-panelists/presenters: Angela Narciso

Torres and Reginald Flood) November 14, 2014.

The Gift was featured at Gary’s Independent Film Festival. The short movie was adapted

from “The Gift” (my short story) by the independent filmmaker Timeca Seretti. Gary, IN.

October, 18, 2014.

“Willow Books and the Future of African American Poetry.” Furious Flowers Poetry

Conference at James Madison University (JMU): “Publishing Visionaries.” Harrisonburg,

VA. (Co-panelists/presenters: Dr. Kelly Norman Ellis, Derrick Harriell, Dr. Randall

Horton, Cedric Tillman, and Reginald Flood). September 26, 2014.

“Finding Your Voice through the Voices of Others: Learning Critical Thinking and

Analytical Skills through the Poetics of Contemporary Poets.” Conference on College

Composition and Communication (CCCC) 2014 Annual Convention for the panel “I Got

Cha Open: Integrating Arts Into Composition,” Indianapolis, IN. (Co-panelists: Tara

Betts, Mitchell L. H. Douglas, and Ciara D. Miller) March 21, 2014.

Workshop on YA Literature & Manuscript sessions. Willow Books Lit Fest. Chicago

State University, Chicago, IL. April 6, 2013.

“Writing for Young Adults.” Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP)Annual

Conference. Chicago, IL. (Co-presenters: April Lindner, Marilyn Nelson, Helen Frost,

and Meg Kearney). March 2, 2012.

“Indiana Nocturnes: Our Rural and Urban Patchwork.” The 40th Annual Meeting of the

Society for the Study of Midwestern Literature (SSML): “The Cultural Heritage of the

Midwest: A Symposium.” Michigan State University: East Lansing. (Co-presenter: Kevin

McKelvey from the University of Indianapolis) (May 13-15) 2010.

14

“From Manuscript to Book: A Cave Canem Reading & Discussion.” Association of

Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) Annual Conference. Denver, Colorado. Co-

panelists: Toi Derricotte, Cornelius Eady, Aracelis Girmay, and Linda Susan Jackson).

April 7-10, 2010.

Keynote Speaker at ChALC (Children’s and Adolescent Literature Community)

Conference at Kansas State. Manhattan, Kansas (March 6, 2010).

“The Bones of Indiana: A Poetry Collaboration.” The 39th Annual Meeting of the Society

for the Study of Midwestern Literature (SSML): “The Cultural Heritage of the Midwest:

A Symposium.” Michigan State University: East Lansing. (Co-presenter: Kevin

McKelvey University of Indianapolis. May 7-9, 2009.

“From the Page to the Stage: Getting Young Men to Comprehend Literature.” Appleseed

Writing Project’s “Pen—Voice—Empowerment: Engaging Learners in a Diverse

Society”: Fort Wayne, IN: IPFW. Multimedia Presentation with Todd Roberts,

November 11, 2008.

“From Grammar School to Graduate and Law School: Building to Bridge the

Achievement Gap”: Group Presentation: “Bridging the Gap Creatively Between

University and Community.” Howard University School of Law, Washington, DC. (Co-

presenters: Reginald Dwayne Betts, Randall Horton, Truth Thomas, and Jonathan Gray).

May 17, 2008.

“The Melodious Pondering of Place.” The Society for the Study of Midwestern Literature

(SSML): Michigan State University: East Lansing, (May 8-10) 2008.

“Appleseed Writing Project’s 2007 Summer Institute Presentation.” Fort Wayne, IN:

IPFW. Fall 2007.

“Going to Bat for Boy Writers and Other Reluctant Students: Who will step up to the

plate?” Appleseed Writing Project: 2nd Annual Conference: World Series Writers. Fort

Wayne, IN: IPFW. (Co-presenter: author Ralph Fletcher). October 20, 2007.

“A Celebration of the Written Word.” 19th Annual Southern Festival of Books. War

Memorial Plaza. Nashville, Tennessee. (Co-presenter: Floyd Cooper, illustrator of Tough

Boy Sonatas). October 12-14, 2007.

“From Hughes to Komunyakaa: The Major Influences in Poetics and Politics from a

Minor Genre.” International Symposium on Langston Hughes and the International

Conference on 20th Century American Poetry. Wuhan, China. July 22, 2007.

Chaired Panel 2: “Langston Hughes: His Art and Influence.” International Symposium on

Langston Hughes and the International Conference on 20th Century American Poetry.

Wuhan, China. (Co-presenter: Liu Guozhi). July 22, 2007.

15

“The Writer’s Notebook in a Multicultural Learning Community: An IPFW Summer

Bridge Experience.” Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction Institute “Creating Learning

Environments.” Wayne State University: Detroit, MI. (Co-presenters: Mary Arnold

Schwartz (Writing Center) and Christopher Douse (Office of Diversity and Multicultural

Affairs): Fall 2007.

“The Writer’s Notebook in a Multicultural Learning Community: An IPFW Summer

Bridge Experience.” 2007 Appleseed Writing Project: Inaugural Conference. Fort

Wayne, IN: IPFW. (Co-presenters: Mary Arnold Schwartz (Writing Center) and

Christopher Douse (Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs): Fall 2007.

POETRY/CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Poetry Editor for HEArt (Human Equity through Art). Summer, (2015-2017).

Edited Goats Do Roman Villages, by Detrick Hughes, for Nebo Media, 2016.

Edited Blaze, by Kahn Satori Davison, for Aquarius Press, 2015. Kahn was one of few

Kresge Arts in Detroit winners for the Literary Arts Fellows in 2015. He received

$25,000 dollars.

Edited Comprehending Forever, by Richard Villar, for Aquarius Press, 2014.

Edited Rain, by JoAnne McFarlene, for Aquarius Press. Fall 2012.

Edited Sometimes You Do Things, by Sarah Zale, for Aquarius Press. Summer 2012.

GUEST PRESENTER AND PANELIST

Featured presenter, with other poets, at Macomb Community College, in Warren, MI.

April 23, 2019.

Featured presenter with other poets at Irvington Vinyl & Books’ Black History Month

Reading. Hosted by Irvington Vinyl & Books owner, Elysia Lucinda. February 27, 2019.

Presented at Ivy Tech’s Black History Month Reading. February 20, 2019.

Presented at Indiana Tech’s “Speak Out” for Black History Month. February 19, 2019.

Presented “T-Storm Ghazal” and other poems, along with other nominees, at the Pushcart

Nomination Reading at Irvington Vinyl & Books, for The Indianapolis Review. January

26, 2019.

Presented “Haikus for Nature” at Science Central in Fort Wayne, IN. January 19, 2019.

16

Participated in two panels at “Meet an Author Be an Author” at the Indiana Central

Library in Indianapolis for the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation, the Indiana

Writers Center, and The Eugene & Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award. 2018.

Guest speaker/ lecturer at Western Kentucky University and joined Tom Hunley’s

American Poetry class to discuss Frank O'-Hara’s "Personism," "The Day Lady Died,"

and "Why I Am Not a Painter"—(workshop, dinner with grad students, and reading).

September 24, 2018. ($750.00)

Presented workshops at Allen County Juvenile Center (ACJC). May 30, 2018.

Presented at 2018 Mass Poetry Festival (Cave Canem reading) featuring CC fellows:

Jarita Davis, moderator; readers: Chanda Feldman, Lillian Bertram, Kamilah Aisha

Moon, and Curtis L. Crisler. Salem, MA. May 5, 2018.

“5th Sunday Public Square Poetry.” Fort Wayne, IN. Wunderkammer spring reading.

Sunday, April 29, 2018.

Presented workshop for “Brother to Brother” at IPFW. April 10, 2018.

Presented “Be You/Do You: Rejoin, Rejoice” with Frank Mundo, Christine Howey,

Cornelius Eady & CE Trio (Charlie Rauh and Lisa Liu) at Split This Rock Festival in

D.C. Moderated by Sammy Greenspan, creator of Kattywompus Press. April 21, 2018.

Presented at First Friday Readings at Three Rivers Food Co-op and Natural Grocery with

Troy Bigelow, April 6, 2018.

Presented “Writing the ‘sonastic’ poem (workshop)” at the Indiana Central Library in

Indianapolis for the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation and the Indiana Writers

Center. March 24, 2018.

Presented at Canterbury School for the Poetry Club. March 5, 2018.

Presented at Fellowship Missionary Church for Black History Month for the 8:45am and

10:45am services, February 18, 2018.

Presented at Ivy Tech’s “African American Read-In” for Black History Month, February

12, 2018.

Presented at The College of Arts & Sciences’ “Winter Reception” (hosted by Dean Eric

Carl Link). January 26, 2018.

Guest speaker/ lecturer for SUNY Cobleskill. Presented and discussed my work with Dr.

Sinikka Grant’s Liberal Studies class. Later, presented to SUNY Cobleskill and the local

community. February 27-March 1, 2017.

17

Presented (along with artists, clergy, instructors, and business people from the Fort

Wayne area) at the African American Read-in and Poster Competition for Crisis in Black

Education for Black History Month. Ivy Tech’s Student Life Center Commons. February

22, 2017.

Book signing for publisher Kattywompus Press, for book Don’t Moan So Much (Stevie):

A Poetry Musiquarium. Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) Annual

Conference. Washington, D.C. February 10, 2017.

Presented at “The Museum of Americana Reading Series” with Susanna Lang, Joyce

Goldenstern, and Elizabeth Hoover, in Chicago, Illinois, at Bucktown-Wicker Park

Library on Saturday, November 19, 2016.

Sixth Annual Allen County Public Library 2016 Author Fair. At the Allen County Public

Library (ACPL), I shared my poetry, fiction, and nonfiction with local, and regional fair

goers. Saturday, November 12, 2016.

First Friday Readings, Poetry Reading featuring Dawn Cunningham and Curtis L. Crisler

at Three Rivers Food Co-op and Natural Grocery. Friday, October 7, 2016.

Book sale and readings for “Small Prestivus,” in Downtown Griffith, IN. I participated in

the book sale on Saturday in Central Park, and in the readings at Wildrose Brewing Co.

and at Pokro Brewing Co. July 23, 2016-July 24, 2016.

Career Academy Retreat/Workshop at Macomb Community College, in Warren, MI. I

did workshops on Ekphrastic poetry with illustrations by Dawoud Bey, my 3-part poems,

the persona poem, the Bop form, gave a poetry reading, and worked with other writers in

educational, corporate, and professional fields to help the students who attended the

academy. June 20, 2016-June 24, 2016.

Book signing at Glenbrook Mall’s Barnes & Nobles. Special Teen Event (Teens)

Saturday June 11, 2016.

Keynote Speaker for the 2016 Spring Convention: “Gemstones of Poetry and History:

100 Years of State Parks & 100 Years of James Whitcomb Riley” for the Indiana State

Federation of Poetry Clubs, hosted by the Northeast Indiana Poets. Fox Island, May 14,

2016.

First Friday Readings, Poetry Reading featuring Dawn Cunningham and Curtis L. Crisler

at Three Rivers Food Co-op and Natural Grocery. Friday, May 6, 2016.

Presentation/Workshop at Allen County Juvenile Center (ACJC). April 28, 2016.

Hosted Open Mic at Weisser Park for local children in their after-school program. April

12, 2016.

18

Book signing for Don’t Moan So Much (Stevie): A Poetry Musiquarium. At AWP’s

bookfair, for Kattywompus Press. April 1, 2016.

“In the Presence of Spirits,” a poetry reading featuring Allison Joseph and Curtis L.

Crisler at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC), at the John C. Guyon

Auditorium. February 18, 2016.

Black History Month: Black Authors Symposium, featuring Mr. John Dortch, Pastor

Anthony Payton, Dr. Quinton Dixie, Mr. John Foster, and Curtis L. Crisler. Presented by

the Office of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs. Walb 114, February 12, 2016.

Presented as a “special guest” with Sarah McCartt-Jackson, while Ian Stansel and Mark

Neely featured, at the InKY Reading Series. The Bard’s Town, Louisville, KY.

December 11, 2015.

Book signing at Barnes and Noble in Jefferson Pointe for a fundraiser for the

African/African America Historical Society & Museum. The event was done in

conjunction with Dr. John Aden (Executive Director of AAAHSM), for the Friends of

Ketu Oladuwa. (Co-presenters: Helen Frost and John J. Foster). Fort Wayne, IN.

November 29, 2014.

“Bold & Beautiful: a Poets Roundtable Reading,” based on “contemporary work from the

FWMoA’s permanent collection, each by African American makers,” and in conjunction

with the Fort Wayne Museum of Art (FWMoA) and Acoustic SpokenWord Café

(ASWC). (Co-presenters: Tanika Collins, Adam Gaile, Linda Bess, Roderick Parker,

Rodney Barnes, and Ketu Oladuwa. Fort Wayne, IN. March, 14, 2014.

“SlamCamp Showcase: An Evening of Poetry and Performance” (special appearance by

Curtis L. Crisler). Michigan City Public Library, Michigan City, IN. June 22, 2013.

Keynote Speaker. “Voicing Journeys Through Verses.” Naperville Writers Group

Celebrates 2013 National Poetry Month. Naperville Library, Naperville, IL. Friday, April

19, 2013.

“The Borderlands Project: Northern Reading” (introduction by creator and Indiana Poet

Laureate, Karen Kovacik). A variety of Indiana poets representing the northern border of

Indiana performed. University of Notre Dame, 129 DeBartolo Hall. March 27, 2013.

“Young Adult” panel. Fall Author Fair. Allen County Public Library (ACPL). (Co-

panelist: local authors Laurie Gray, John Baumgartner, and Heather Case). November 3,

2012.

23rd African Festival of the Arts: “Reflections of Our Culture.” Chicago, IL. (Co-

presenters: Nnedi Okorafor and Turtel Onli). September 2, 2012.

19

“Keeping them Reading: Writing for Older Children and Teens.” Allen County Public

Library (ACPL) Fall Author Fair. (Co-panelist: local authors). November 19, 2011.

Guest Speaker/ lecturer for IUPUI for undergrads, graduate students, and the surrounding

community. The focus was poetics and my work. November 3, 2011.

“Getting Published.” Allen County Public Library (ACPL) Author Fair. (Co-panelist:

local authors). April 23, 2011.

“Leaving Me Behind: A Summer Bridge Reflection: a retrospective with some of the

remaining students on campus.” Fort Wayne, IN: IPFW. Walb Student Union. February

17, 2010.

“Still I Rise, The Influence of African-American Literature on Education.” Office of

Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. Fort Wayne, IN: IPFW. February 18, 2009.

“Lunch Discussion: The Emancipation Proclamation.” Remnant Trust. Fort Wayne, IN:

Helmke Library. (Co-panelists: local educators). February 10, 2009.

“The Significance of the African American Faculty Member.” Office of Diversity and

Multicultural Affairs. Fort Wayne, IN: IPFW. (Co-panelists: local and community

educators). (2008).

First Caucus Conference: Session One: “Dream More, Want More, and Expect

More…Do More It is your History—Where are we going as a people?” Office of

Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. Fort Wayne, IN: IPFW. (Co-panelists: local and

community educators). (2007).

“ASAP! Retention Talk/Luncheon.” African American Male Perspective Program. Office

of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. Fort Wayne, IN: IPFW. (Co-panelists: local and

community educators). (2007).

Men of Color Think Tank Forum: IPFW. Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.

Fort Wayne, IN: IPFW. (Co-panelists: local and community educators). (2006).

GUEST PRESENTER via SKYPE

Presented and read for 5th graders at Adams Central Elementary School in Decatur. It was

an online Skype for Mrs. Michelle Hutker’s class. Decatur, IN. Summer, 2015.

Produced a 10-minute video (on “persona” and “personification”) for Liz Kershner’s

class at Ball State University. The Poets Studio is an archive of poets that made videos

where we presented topics on the writing profession. We would later meet with the class

on Skype, read some of our work, and interact and discuss the craft of writing. Muncie,

IN. Summer, 2015: https://thepoetstudio. wordpress.com/.

20

Presented and read for Grisham Middle School, online, for Amanda Johnston’s 3rd period

class. Round Rock, Texas. October 29, 2015.

WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS, HOSTING, COLLABORATIONS,

AND JUDGING

Workshop Presentations

Professors in Partnership (PiP). Presented workshop opportunities to Mrs. Adrienne

McNeal with Woodside Middle School, where I did three lessons in April-May of 2019.

Professors in Partnership (PiP). Presented workshop opportunities to Mrs. Jessica

Holtzclaw with Homestead High School, where I did three lessons in April-May of 2019.

Write Now! Aspiring Author Workshop 2013.” Lake Ridge Community School

Cooperation for Calumet High School Author’s Day. Gary, IN. Fall: 2009, 2011-2013.

“Workshop (on writing, inspirations, and educational goals) at Towles: Intermediate

Montessori School. (2011-2012).

Palmetto Children’s Poetry Festival. Poetry Initiative University of South Carolina. (Co-

presenters: Dinah Johnson, Meg Kearney, Marilyn Nelson, Naomi Shihab Nye, Kevin

Simmonds, and Kwame Dawes). October 23, 2010.

“Outside the Box: The Writing Life of Risks: Running with Scissors.” Idlewild Writers &

Poets Conference. Idlewild, MI. August 12-14, 2010.

Visiting Writer Reading for “The Young Writers Workshop.” Southern Illinois

University Carbondale. June 23, 2010.

“An Evening with Curtis Crisler.” College of DuPage (COD). Writers Read Series. April

29, 2009.

“Your Influences Make You Who You Are.” Mayor Daley’s Book Club (Spring

Conference) at Phillips Academy High School. Chicago, Illinois. May 19, 2007.

Facilitator/coordinator for the Saluki Poetry Project, Main Library, Carbondale, Illinois.

With Kevin McKelvey, I helped to create and facilitate workshops for the public on

Mondays. Fall 2003.

Workshop and presentation for Department of Youth Services, Columbus, Ohio, 2000.

Hosting

Hosted the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) Poetry Slam for high schoolers. Allen

County Public Library. April 2008-.

21

Hosted the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) Poetry Slam for middle schooler. Allen

County Public Library. April 2017.

Co-creator of conception and installation with artist Melissa VandenBerg for “i” (a

collaborative Art Project at surplus gallery @ the glove factory). Artist and writers

collaborated on blending the two art forms and opening the installations for the public.

Carbondale, Illinois, 2002.

Collaborations

Co-creater of Acoustic SpokenWord Café (along with Ketu Oladuwa and Emmanuel

Ortiz) for NIPR. Saturday nights from 11pm-12am. Summer (2012-Summer 2013). The

project was created to address the marginalized voices that represent a collective of artists

rarely valued or heard from in our community.

“The Facing Project” has writers collaborate and listen to retell the stories of the

homeless to the larger community to “shed light on the homeless experience in Ft.

Wayne.” Bethany Pruitt of Lutheran Social Services of Indiana started the project (Fall

2012).

Contest Judging

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in conjunction with the Fort Wayne Museum of Art

(FWMoA). Fort Wayne, IN. January, (2013-).

Judged the Summit Scholars Competition Essays for 2016. I did a training session with

other judges on how the competition functions, as well as the opportunity to ask and

answer questions, and graded the essays. Spring 2016.

Judge for Speech Tournament at Carroll High School. November 8, 2014.

Rivulets Poetry Prize and Publication Launch Party. I judged the poetry contest, and

introduced the winner, Ray Simon, at the Rivulets Publication Launch Party. Naperville,

IL. October 4, 2014.

“Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest: 2012-2013 Indiana State Championship.”

Sponsored by The Indiana Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Arts, and the

Poetry Foundation. Indianapolis Marion County Central Public Library. February 23,

2013.

IUPUI Poetry Contest, where I had to pick 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th place winners, and also 25

honorable mentions (August 2011).

“Bright Harvest Prize” for fiction and poetry. Aquarius Press. November 2011. IUPUI

Poetry Contest, August 2011.

INDIANA CHITLIN CIRCUIT (ICC): Created in 2011-

22

ICC have helped co-sponsor and facilitate The Faculty/Student Readings (2011-)

Sarah Sandman (IPFW) and Mark Neely (Ball State) were featured for the IPFW Faculty

Reading Series. I covered each of their stipends. (November 30, 2016)

Tom Sabel (IPFW) and I (IPFW) presented an ICC formatted reading for the IPFW

Faculty Reading Series. ICC helped with refreshments for the event, along with the

English & Linguistics Department. (Spring 2016)

Quraysh Ali Lansana (Chicago State University) presented/discussed his book, Mystic

Turf, to my W203 Poetry class. We read his book as well. Later, he presented to the

IPFW and Fort Wayne communities at the IPFW Student Commons. I covered his

stipend, dinner, room and board, and got him back and forth to the train (Spring 2013)

Liz Whiteacre (Ball State University) presented at “Crisler’s Open Classroom.” She

read/discussed her chapbook Hit the Ground with my students and others from the IPFW

community who wanted to attend. The session was filmed. I covered her stipend and

dinner. (Spring 2013)

Ross Gay, Mitchell L. H. Douglas, and Curtis L. Crisler presented at IPFW, in

conjunction with Dr. Michael L. Stapleton (Chapman Distinguished Professor of English)

and the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. Dr. Stapleton, ODMA, and ICC

covered Ross and Mitch’s stipends, dinners, and rooms and board. (October 20, 2011)

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/AFFLIATIONS (current and past)

Advisory Committee on Equity (2014-)

Advisor for the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)

Advisory Board Member for Institute of Black History, Art & Culture (IBHAC)

Denver, CO (2014)

Aquarius Press, Contributing Editor, (2012-2015)

Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP), (2009-)

Author’s Publish Magazine (2016-)

Cave Canem Fellow (2003-)

Conference on College Composition & Communication (CCCC)

CRWROPPS LIST (a listserve with yahoo groups) (2008-)

HEArt (Human Equity through Art), board member, (2017-2018)

HEArt (Human Equity through Art), poetry editor, (2015-2017)

Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne Alumni

Midwest Modern Language Association (MMLA)

Midwest Writers Workshop (2016-)

National Council of Teachers of English (2008-2011, 2013-2015)

Northeast Indiana Public Radio (NIPR) (2012-2014, 2018-)

Southern Illinois University Carbondale Alumni

The Masters Review: A Creative Writing Review (2016-)

23

24

Appendix A:

Published Poetry in Journals and Magazines

“Black to Black.” The Southampton Review, Volume XII No.2: Summer/Fall 2018:

212-213.

“T-Storm Ghazal” and “Title in Deed.” The Indianapolis Review, Issue 5: Summer 2018,

online (2018).

“For You (Mr. Nelson).” Delaware Poetry Review. Volume 8, No. 1. Spring 2017.

http://depoetry.com/.

“chromatics.” “The Skinny” Poetry Journal. November 13, 2016. https://theskinnypoetry

journal.wordpress.com/.

“When Neighbors Can’t Be Neighbors Bop,” A Poem for Refugees. March 2016. https://

apoemforrefugees.wordpress.com/.

“mOde for looking at the faces in “The 1920’s…The Migrants Arrive and Cast Their

Ballots,” and “Gangsta Love,” Valley Voices: A Literary Review, Vol 15, N1,

2015: 92-93.

“saturday night hypnocrite,” “Midwest hang, man,” and “Meeting up (coming back

from the greener side).” PLUCK, 2015.

“Divaism,” “The anger inside my torso,” “My Years in the Head of Eric Baus Ode,”

“When thinking about you in the alphabet,/I stumbled into how a minute and a

second/ Grapple within their bone white wings,” “You bring out the woman in

me” Map Points, Vol One, Issue 2, 2015: 30-34.

“block party,” “Working class insteps,” and “Crossing Over at the Road Not Taken.”

Tidal Basin Review (2084). Winter, 2015: 56-58.

“Singing Her Augusta Savage.” http://www.indianahumanities.org/think-read-talk/

singing-augusta-savage-curtis-crisler/. April 5, 2014.

“becoming beautiful.” HEArt: Human Equity Through Art, 2014.

“Red Lights (Before the Closing of Kroger)” African American Review (AAR). “Special

Issue: Hip Hop and the Literary.” Volume 46, Number 1, Spring, 2013: 157.

“Catching Train.” Tidal Basin Review, Summer 2011.

“poet juice,” “Blaxploitation,” and “I-Hop Bump” PLUCK: The Journal of Affrilachian

Arts & Culture, Issue 6, 2011: 85-87.

“I’m singing this poem for you (draft #33)” Copper Nickel: a journal of art and literature

25

#15, 2011 (128-129). [A finalist for the Spring 2011 Contest].

“DJ-[20][10] (the hot track)” and “9/11/2010.” Tidal Basin Review, Fall/Winter 2010

(130-133).

“Before the (Re)showing of Medgar Evers, His Son Sits Alone” African American

Review (AAR) Volume 43.1 June 2010.

“January” Crab Orchard Review Volume 15, Number 2 Summer/Fall 2010: 55.

“If Miles Played for Barack (On Swearing in Day)” Sou’wester Spring 2010: 49-50.

“Oscar” Kweli Journal Fall/Winter 2009.

“They will say” anti-, Issue #5 December 2009.

“Overflow” The November 3rd Club Autumn 2009.

“American Us” Crab Orchard Review Vol. 14, No. 2 Summer/Fall 2009: 33.

“Catch” (reprinted) Essence: (Obama Inauguration Special) February, 2009: 178.

“America” The Ninth Letter Vol. 5, Issue 2 Fall + Winter (2008-9) 131.

“Return to Boomtowns,” and “What Mamie Till Gave the World” Reverie: Midwest

African American Literature Vol. 2, Fall (2008) 35-38.

“Mary Jane and Chelsea” and “Suffocating in Ignorance.” Elixir 6 (Special Double Issue)

(2008).

“Ephemeral,” and “Brace” The Drunken Boat: Cave Canem Issue, Vol. 8, Issue III-IV

(2008). [http://www.thedrunkenboat.com].

“jennie.” Arts Kaleidoscope Presents: Arts & Poems (2008) 38.

“Brave New Words” and “Fornicating for Ars Poetica.” The Amistad, Spring 2008

(2008) 31-32. [http://www.coas.howard.edu/english/Amistad/ Spring08

index2.html].

“Ballin’” and “Julius Erving.” The Amistad, Spring 2007 (2007) 103-104. [http://www.

coas.howard.edu/english/Amistad/Spring07/index.html].

“Nomenclature for Jammin’,” “The Off Sista,” “My Friend, Constellation,” “Fanatics for

Genius,” “Waving African Lilies,” “My Bad Singing to Your Healing Panty

Line,” and “Don’t be pissin’ in my greens, woman” (“Don’t be pissin’ in my

greens, woman” originally appeared in Columbia Poetry Review No. 13 2001).

26

Re)verb, Issue 4, Winter 2006 (2006) 35-45.

“Introduction,” “Elegy for Mister Rogers,” and “Beatdown in Baltimore.” Callaloo. 29:3

(2006) 803-807.

“Finding Gertrude Abercrombie’s eyes in elements.” CUE: Journal of Prose Poetry,

Vol. III, Issue I (2006).

“Addiction,” “jivin’,” and “Stray.” Sou’wester Vol. 32, No.2 (2004) 100-104.

“Catch,” “Demographics,” and “DAYDREAMER.” WarpLand:Vol. 9, No. 2 (2003).

“Tennis Match.” Callaloo Volume 26, No. 3, Summer (2003).

“Chorus/sponding” and “Daughter/son soundtrack.” Penumbra (2003).

“Mama don’t take no mess” and “Robbing hoods.” Obsidian III: Vol. 4, Number 2

Fall/Winter (2002-2003).

“Red-Brick Dust” and “3 steps over.” XCP: Cross-Cultural Poetics (Xcp 9) (2001).

“Don’t be pissing on my greens, woman.” Columbia Poetry Review No. 13 (2001).

“lobbiest” and “My Life In Traffic.” XCP: streetnotes (2000). [http://www.xcp.bfn.org/

fall2000.html].

“Jay B. stands in the mirror.” Columbia Poetry Review No. 12 (1999).

“Blueboy the philosopher,” “They say things in their gathering,” “Inductee,” “if you

never got it (a father’s day poem)” and “The African Neighbor Lady.” Obsidian

II Volume 11, Numbers 1&2 (1996).

Published Poetry in Anthologies

“Her First Flag” and “McLaren Rocks his Dome.” Bop, Strut, and Dance: A Post

Blues Form for New Generations (in press).

“Boxing Arethas” and “Living in Grey Matters (a pattern).” Furious Flower: Seeding the

Future of African American Poetry, (in press).

“Niko.” Undead: A Poetry Anthology of Ghosts, Ghouls, and More. Edited by Bianca

Lynne Spriggs & Katerina Stoykova. San Bernardino: Apex Publications, August

3, 2018: 120-121.

“Tuesday’s divorce cramps.” The Golden Shovel Anthology: New Poems Honoring

Gwendolyn Brooks. Edited by Peter Kahn, Ravi Shankar, and Patricia Smith.

Fayetteville: University of Arkansas Press, February 2017.

27

“When Neighbors Can’t Be Neighbors Bop.” Resist Much Obey Little: Inaugural Poems

to the Resistance, co-edited by Boughn, Michael, Johnson, Kent, et al. Spuyten

Duyvil Press, March 3, 2017: 111-112.

“When your mother corrects the Indiana Poet Laureate and you feel like yelling.” Not

Like the Rest of Us: An Anthology of Contemporary Indiana Writers, Edited by

Barbara Shoup and Rachel Sahaidachny. Indianapolis: INwords Publications,

September 1, 2016.

“When Neighbors Can’t Be Neighbors Bop,” A Poem for Refugees on https://apoemfor

refugees.wordpress.com/. March 2016.

“Black to Black.” Drawn to Marvel: Poems from the Comic Books. Seattle: Minor

Arcana Press, 2014.

An Anthology of Chicago Poetry: City of the Big Shoulders, ed. by Ryan G. Van Cleave.

Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 2012: 25-26.

“Homage to the good foot.” Say it Loud: Poems about James Brown. Ed. Mary E.

Weems and Michael Oatman. Camden: Whirlwind Press, 2011: 58-59.

“Dear Reality.” Our Common Suffering: Anthology of Poets in Memoriam 2008 Sichuan

Earthquake. Spring (2009).

“Spectaculations.” The Ringing Ear: Black Poets Lean South: A Cave Canem Anthology.

Ed. Nikky Finney. Athens: The University of Georgia Press, (2007) 106.

“Sound” and “Black Whiskers.” In the Eye: A Collection of Writings. Ed. Katherine

Tracy. Alamogordo: Thunder Rain Publishing Corp., (2007) 20, 123.

“The Down Low.” Fingernails Across a Chalkboard: Anthology: Poetry and Prose on

HIV/AIDS from the Black Diaspora. Eds. Randall Horton, M.L. Hunter, and

Becky Thompson. Chicago: Third World Press, (2007) 65.

“Robbing hoods.” Gathering Ground: A Reader Celebrating Cave Canem’s First

Decade. Eds. Toi Derricotte, Cornelius Eady, and (Assist ed. Camille T. Dungy).

Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press, (2006) 46-47.

“The Children of the Trees.” Only the Sea Keeps: Poetry of the Tsunami. Ed. Judith

Robinson, Joan E. Bauer, and Sankar Roy. Calgary: Bayeux Arts, Inc. (2005).

“Ode to Rain.” The Fourth River: Nature and Culture (2005).

“Mirrors.” Cave Canem Anthology 2003. (2003).

28

Book Editor Nonfiction (self-published group/class project)

Leaving Me Behind: Writing a new me. Raleigh: Lulu.com. 2009. 130 pages. Co-authors,

IPFW Summer Bridge Class of 2008.