Marvin X and fellow poet Dr. Neal Hall, MD, at the recent Sacramento Black Book Fair
For the first week of my poet/scholar residency we have been working – with much fun and laughter - to complete the translations of 23 of my poems that will be mad into a book to be published in India ( launch date – July 11th before at the ASCI center to include a reading in English, followed by Urdu and Telegu (http://www.asci.org.in/ourhistory.aspx.) The book will consist of three sections. The first, the poems in English; the second- the poems in telugu and third – the poems in Urdu. Urdu is last because it is written and read from right to left. Its front cover will actually be the rear cover of the book and the start of Urdu section.
Ms. Kannabiran and Ms. Kumari were in the audience that heard me read my work at the January 2015 Hyderabad Literary Festival. Both were very instrumental in my 4 week return as a poet/scholar in residency. The scheduled speaking events are diverse city wide from Universities to public speaking forums, poetry societies, indigent women’s centers etc.
The book will be titled after one of the poems - Appalling Silence inspired in part by MLK’s remarks: ‘ It is not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.' Of late, I have come to fervently believe that the persistent problems of the day lie solely and squarely on the shoulders of the appalling silence of the ‘ so called ' good people; many of whom quietly benefit from their appalling silence.
The Distinguished Translators:
Vasanth Kannabiran – the esteemed, highly respected and acclaimed development consultant, teacher, poet, activist – The Urdu, English and Telugu translator - http://www.boloji.com/index.cfm?md=Content&sd=Articles&ArticleID=5022
P. Lalita Kumari ( Volga ) – noted Telugu award winning writer –The Telugu Translator
Jameela Bano – award winning Urdu novelist - The Urdu Translator