George Elliott Clarke is shown at the Halifax Central Library during an interview in February 2018. (Steve Lawrence/CBC)
George Elliott Clarke was Canada's parliamentary poet laureate and was the fourth poet laureate of Toronto (2012-2015). A member of the Order of Nova Scotia and the Order of Canada, his recognitions include the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Fellows Prize, the Governor General's Literary Award and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award. Clarke currently teaches African-Canadian literature at the University of Toronto. His books include Whylah Falls, George and Rue and The Motorcyclist.
Award winning poet, playwright and literary critic, George Elliott Clarke hails from Windsor, Nova Scotia. A seventh-generation Canadian of African-American and Mi'kmaq Amerindian heritage, Clarke has written in a variety of genres including poetry, opera, screenplay, and song
Q17:08George Elliott Clarke wants to be a poet for the people
Canada’s Parliamentary Poet Laureate George Elliott Clarke is on a mission to make his role relevant to the average Canadian. more stories from this episode
The Next Chapter19:20George Elliott Clarke on "The Motorcyclist"
The prolific poet, playwright and fiction writer on his latest novel, which is based on his father's life. He also talks about his recent appointment as Canada's parliamentary poet laureate.
Metro Morning8:20George Elliott Clarke discusses new novel inspired by diary of his late father
George Elliott Clarke's latest novel tells the story of Carl Black, a young black man living in Halifax in 1959. The novel was inspired by the diary of his late father. Matt Galloway spoke with him.
‘It’s really crucial that poets and artists be asked to comment on social political issues’
6 years ago
Duration 8:08
George Elliott Clarke, Parliamentary Poet Laureate, discusses U2 using two of his poems in their upcoming tour
George Elliott Clarke reads his poem chronicling the dramatic moments before the Halifax Explosion
5 years ago
Duration 4:15
At the 100th anniversary ceremony for the Halifax Explosion, Nova Scotian George Elliott Clarke reads his poem chronicling the dramatic moments before the Halifax Explosion.
George Elliott Clarke
14 years ago
Duration 22:20
Award winning poet, playwright and literary critic, George Elliott Clarke hails from Windsor, Nova Scotia. A seventh-generation Canadian of African-American and Mi'kmaq Amerindian heritage, Clarke has written in a variety of genres including poetry, opera, screenplay, and song
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To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
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