A Gathering of Waters: International Poetry & Culture: In Translation

Part of the “A Gathering of Waters: The Power of Place & Pen in Mississippi’s Literary Landscape” Program

International Poetry & Culture: In Translation

• Thursday, March 26, 2026,
• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Location: Student Center Legacy Dining Hall and Ballroom

Theme: “Mapping Mississippi: In Translation”

Program Description: Translating the poetry of international poets who reside in Mississippi in both English and cultural languages (Spanish, French, Swahili, Bengali, and Mandarin), “Mapping Mississippi” will bridge the various communities – and their artistic customs – of the state. It also locates the endangerment, disparity, and resilience of Chinese, Caribbean, and Latino Mississippi poets who make their homes in the Delta and other regions of the state. Nadia Alexis, of Haitian descent, Jianqing “John” Zheng, of Chinese descent, and C.T. Salazar, who is Latinx use their art to center the various cultures that make up the state, insisting, “I, Too, Sing Mississippi”. . “Mapping Mississippi” is a one-day series of activities including: poetic translation from English to cultural languages, a poetry workshop, and dance demonstrations through Salsa, Swahili African drum and dance, and Bengali dance traditions.