The Poetjournalist

A unique collection of poetry which captures the mosaic tapestry of our diverse society through the lens of MacArthur Fellow, author, filmmaker, and social entrepreneur, Aaron Dworkin.

The collection explores four overarching pillars: Personal Identity, The Arts, The Black Experience, and Inequality, all through the unique prism of “Poetjournalism.” A term originated by Aaron in which a news story or other experience is expressed in poetic form, incorporating elements of emotion, opinion, and creative illustration.

Born to a Black Jehovah’s Witness father and White Irish Catholic mother, Aaron was immediately given up for adoption to a White Jewish couple who already had a birth son. This unique heritage provided a backdrop through which to explore humanity, identity, and connection. While some poems are autobiographical, the majority were developed through Aaron’s role as Poetjournalist-in-Residence of the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, Wright Museum of African-American History, Ovation TV Network, Rodham Institute and Shar Music.

As a violinist in addition to spoken word artist, Aaron utilizes ingredients of rhythm, alliteration, and asymmetric rhyme in his work as he conjures vivid imagery connecting the reader to both familiar and foreign encounters and memories. Combined, the poems represent a creative commentary and introspection into our world and human interactions.

About the Author

Aaron P. Dworkin is former dean and current Professor of Arts Leadership & Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan’s School of Music Theatre & Dance. His awards include a 2005 MacArthur Fellowship, President Obama’s first appointment to the National Council on the Arts, and member of President Biden’s Arts Policy Committee. Aaron is a best-selling writer whose work include his poetry collection, They Said I Wasn’t Really Black, plus four other books including his memoir, Uncommon Rhythm: A Black, White, Jewish, Jehovah's Witness, Irish Catholic Adoptee's Journey to Leadership, and The Entrepreneurial Artist: Lessons from Highly Successful Creatives.

Aaron originated the term “poetjournalism” which he defines as “journalism in which a news story or other experience is presented in poetic form incorporating elements of emotion, opinion, and creative illustration.” Hailed by critics as “powerful,” “stirring,” “passionate and heroic,” and “a tour de force,” Aaron has performed as a prominent spoken-word artist nationally.

He serves as the Poetjournalist-in-Residence of the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, Wright Museum of African-American History, Ovation TV Network, Rodham Institute and Shar Music and is a member of the Academy of American Poets. He has recorded albums and collaborated with a breadth of artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Damien Sneed, Anna Deveare Smith, Damian Woetzel, Lil Buck and others. His Emmy award-winning film, An American Prophecy, was honored by numerous festivals, while his visual digital art project, Fractured History, has exhibited to rave reviews.

Aaron founded the globally-recognized Sphinx Organization, the leading arts organization with a mission of transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. Having raised over $50 million for philanthropic causes, Aaron personifies creative leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service with an unwavering passion for the arts, diversity, and their role in society.

Aaron has a myriad of life interests including founding a homeless organization and a literary magazine. He is married to Afa Sadykhly Dworkin, a prominent international arts leader who serves as President and Artistic Director of the Sphinx Organization. They have two awesome sons, Noah Still and Amani Jaise. They reside in Michigan with their two Savannah cats, Mocha and Pekoe, and English Cream Retriever, Rondo.