Carolyn Forché

Carolyn Forché, born on April 28, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, is an acclaimed American poet, translator, and human rights advocate. She is best known for her powerful poetry that often delves into political and social issues, drawing inspiration from her own experiences as well as historical events and injustices around the world.

After studying at Michigan State University and earning her Master of Fine Arts from Bowling Green State University, Forché began her literary career with the publication of her first poetry collection, "Gathering the Tribes," in 1976. The collection garnered critical acclaim and set the stage for Forché's emergence as a significant voice in contemporary American poetry.

One of Forché's most famous works, "The Country Between Us," published in 1981, further solidified her reputation as a poet unafraid to confront the harsh realities of war, oppression, and human suffering. The collection, which explores her experiences in El Salvador during the country's civil war, received widespread praise for its evocative and poignant portrayal of the human cost of conflict.

Forché's commitment to human rights and social justice is not confined to her poetry; she has also been actively involved in various advocacy efforts. In the 1990s, she served as a journalist in the Balkans, reporting on the wars in the region and bearing witness to the atrocities committed against civilian populations.

In addition to her work as a poet and journalist, Forché is a highly respected translator of poetry. She has translated the works of numerous international poets into English, helping to bring attention to voices from diverse cultural backgrounds and linguistic traditions.

Forché's contributions to literature and human rights have been widely recognized. She has received numerous awards and honors, including fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Lannan Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. In 2013, she was elected a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets, a prestigious position held by some of the most esteemed poets in the United States.

Despite her many accomplishments, Forché remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to write and speak out on behalf of those whose voices are often marginalized or silenced. Through her poetry, translations, and advocacy work, Carolyn Forché has left an indelible mark on the literary world and beyond, inspiring readers to engage with the pressing issues of our time with compassion and empathy.