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Kazim Ali (Born in 1971)

The prolific and constantly surprising poet Kazim Ali produces works that reflect his diverse background and span multiple genres while always drawing on the techniques of poetry. Born in England to Muslim parents of primarily Indian, but also Iranian and Egyptian, descent, Ali was raised first in Canada and then in the United States, eventually settling in western New York State. After graduating from the State University of New York at Albany (SUNY Albany) with both a bachelor's degree and a master's in English, he worked for four years as an organizer for various political and social justice causes. During this time, he served as president of the United States Student Association (USSA) and as a trainer for the Midwest Academy training school for progressive organizers, among other roles. Ali's commitment to social justice and interest in world politics, which would later find him spending much time in the Palestinian territories, vied with literature as a primary interest and would come to inform his future verse. Continue . . .

Source: Schenker, Andrew. “Kazim Ali.” Literary Biographies, June 2018, p. 1. From Literary Reference Center Plus database.

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Kazim Ali Website Learn more about Kazim Ali and his works.
Kazim Ali Information about Ali from the Poetry Foundation.
An Interview with Kazim Ali An interview is presented with American-raised author Kazim Ali, who has written books such as "Sky Ward," "Bright Felon: Autobiography and Cities," and "The Fortieth Day." Ali discusses poet Emily Dickinson, syllables and vowels in his poems, and his writing process, as well as his poems such as "Museum of Flight" and poets' depiction of identity.
“Know No Name” by Kazim Ali Kazim Ali focuses on the way attention to sound can open a spiritual dimension in poetry. Produced by Katie Klocksin.
“Fairy Tale” – a poem by Kazim Ali In celebration of National Poetry Month, we are presenting a poem written and performed by Ohio poet Kazim Ali, who is the director of the Creative Writing program at Oberlin College and is the author of four books of poetry. He shares his poem “Fairy Tale,” which hints at the story of Icarus from Greek mythology.
Phosphorus The poem "Phosphorus," by Kazim Ali is presented. First Line: Is it true then that Berlin is a city you write yourself against; Last Line: Though by doubting his song made queer and torn to pieces and cast away.
Text Cloud Anthology The poem "Text Cloud Anthology" by Kazim Ali is presented. First Line: Afternoon alive angel Ali; Last Line: Zephyr through the zoo.
The Unlikely Event of a Water Landing The poem "The Unlikely Event of a Water Landing," by Kazim Ali is presented. First Line: Banana flower; Last Line: Do inside your mouth resound still somehow the green sutras of Malabar.
Apasmara Climbs to the Mountain Lake The poem "Apasmara Climbs to the Mountain Lake," by Kazim Ali is presented. First Line: First at the shore the water so blue it disappears into the afternoon of my eye; Last Line: This Life.
Poet Kazim Ali at Fierce Love: The Field Office Collective Reading Poet Kazim Ali at Fierce Love: The Field Office Collective Reading. February 10, 2017, True Reformer Building, Washington, D.C. More information: http://fieldofficeagency.com
Kazim Ali reads "Drone" Kazim Ali reads "Drone" at the August 18, 2018 // Silo City Reading Series
40 Stories: Kazim Ali Poet & professor Kazim Ali talks about the role Just Buffalo Literary Center played in his professional development.
Kazim Ali » The Poetry Center Video Kazim Ali » The Poetry Center
Poetry is Dangerous: An Essay by Kazim Ali A reading of the essay "Poetry is Dangerous" by Kazim Ali from ORANGE ALERT: ESSAYS ON POETRY, ART AND THE ARCHITECTURE OF SILENCE (University of Michigan 2010).
Kazim Ali - "Origin Story" Kazim Ali reads "Origin Story" at Split This Rock Poetry Festival 2018: Poems of Provocation & Witness, April 21, 2018 in Washington, DC.