Poet Le Hinton kicked off the Hard Freight Cafe on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 in the Titelman Study of the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts. Hinton’s newest work focuses on the role of cotton in our country’s history. As Chancellor Lori Bechtel-Wherry observed in her recent State of the College address, “Hinton is exploring the way race and identity are woven into the fabric of our culture—literally.” As he read his poems, Hinton handed out cotton bolls to audience members, remarking that most people are not familiar with the plant itself.
Hinton’s reading was followed by open mic literary and musical performances by students, faculty, and community members. Several students shared their essays inspired by this year’s Common Read book,Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger.
The reading and open mic were sponsored by Hard Freight, the student literary magazine; the English Program; and the Division of Arts and Humanities.
The next Hard Freight Cafe open mic will be held Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. Students interested in serving on the Hard Freight literary magazine staff may register for ENGL 209, a one-credit experiential course that may be taken up to eight times.
Audience members enjoy a reading by poet Le Hinton.
Audience members listening to a reading by poet Le Hinton.
A cotton boll, courtesy of Le Hinton.
A student offers a reading as part of the Hard Freight Cafe.
A student offers a reading as part of the Hard Freight Cafe.
A student offers a reading as part of the Hard Freight Cafe.
A student offers a reading as part of the Hard Freight Cafe.
A student offers a reading as part of the Hard Freight Cafe.
Retired faculty member Tom Liszka reads as part of the Hard Freight Cafe.
Audience members enjoy readings at the Hard Freight Cafe.
A Penn State Altoona alum performs a number at the Hard Freight Cafe.
A student offers a reading as part of the Hard Freight Cafe.
Author and Penn State Altoona alum Erin Kelly visits the Hard Freight Cafe.
