2014 Stigall Poetry Contest

Students, faculty, and staff gathered in the library yesterday to hear the announcement of the 2014 John Stigall Black History Month Poetry Contest winners. After a brief introduction by English Department Instructor Rachel Falu, Ms. Iris Stigall spoke to the crowd about the impact working at Chattanooga State had on her husband's life as a poet. She described Mr. Stigall's work at Chattanooga State as a "luxury" and advised aspiring poets to, "learn all you can; read all you can."

Rachel Falu

Iris Stigall

The third place winner, Briaunna Partin, was not able to attend the event, so the poetry reading was kicked off by the the second place winner, Darlene Nichols. Darlene's poem was titled, "Little Black Girl Lost."

Darlene Nichols Reading "Little Black Girl Lost"

Last, but not least, the first place winner, YouJin Guy, presented her poem, "To the Underground Railroad We Go."

YouJin Guy reading "To the Underground Railroad We Go"