josely.labarrere@bluegrassnewsmedia.com

 

Frank X Walker, a groundbreaking poet, educator, and literary advocate has earned a spot in the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame. This hall celebrates Walker’s lasting impact on literature and the cultural identity of the Commonwealth.

Originally founded to honor Kentucky writers whose work reflects the rich diversity of the state’s Appalachian heritage, the Hall of Fame recognizes inductees of significant stature who have made meaningful contributions to Kentucky and its literature. Walker, a native of Danville, stands among a distinguished list of writers honored for their influence on literature and culture.

At 63 years old, Walker has dedicated decades to writing poetry, essays, and children’s literature that highlight the often-overlooked stories of Black Appalachians and Kentuckians. He has authored 13 poetry collections, including Affrilachia, a work that introduced a widely used term to describe the Black experience in Appalachia. He has received numerous awards, such as the NAACP Image Award for Poetry, the Lillian Smith Book Award, and a Lannan Literary Fellowship. Notably, he was Kentucky’s first African American Poet Laureate, appointed in 2013.

Walker did not initially aspire to a literary life; despite his lifelong interest in writing, he began his studies at the University of Kentucky majoring in electrical engineering before switching to journalism and then English. He credits his creative development to mentors like acclaimed authors Percival Everett and Gurney Norman.

His influence extends beyond his writing. Walker co-founded the Affrilachian Poets, a collective that amplifies diverse voices in Appalachian literature. He also teaches English and Africana Studies at the University of Kentucky, where he advises aspiring writers.

His latest “Load in Nine Times” explores Black Kentuckian history through poetry. His work is featured in the Frazier History Museum’s exhibit, “The Commonwealth: Divided We Fall.” Walker continues to shape the literary landscape with new poetry collections and an anticipated novel.

Reflecting on his journey, Walker notes that what began as skepticism about writing transformed into a calling. “I was always good at writing,” he recalls. “It was pleasure; it was not work.”

Walker’s induction into the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame cements his status as a voice of resilience, history, and artistic excellence.