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Storm Lake Public Library Presents- Author, Poet, Educator, Activist, Willie Carver, JR.
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The public is invited to attend the presentation, June 4, starting at 5 p.m. at the library. Local resident Hugo Perez Loa will read selections from Carver’s poetry.
Refreshments will be provided, serving starts at 4:45. The event is sponsored by a Random House United Libraries grant.
Carver was named Kentucky Teacher of the Year for 2022, but was forced to leave his career, citing discrimination. Later that same year, he testified before the Congressional Oversight Committee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. He has appeared on Good Morning America, speaking about the need for stories that reflect students’ life experiences.
His poetry and creative writing has been published in anthologies and multiple magazines.
Carver’s collection of narrative poetry, “Gay Poems for the Red States,” has garnered many honors, including Book Riot’s Best Book of the Year, American Booksellers Association’s must-have book for poetry lovers award, Top 10 Best Book of Appalachia, Stonewall Book Award honoree, and 2023 American Library Association “Over the Rainbow” book list award.
He also authored the fiction novel “Shortchanged,” and has recently completed a second novel that is forthcoming.
Carver serves as director of the KY120 United AFT LGBTQ+ Taskforce, and advocates tirelessly to create safe climates in schools, and opposing anti-LGBTQ+-legislation targeting youth. His outspoken advocacy led to a personal engagement with former President Biden as well as his testimony before members of Congress. He has delivered keynote addresses across the country on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth and the importance of LGBTQ+-inclusive education.