Former National Poetry Slam winner and Ferrum College alumna Patricia A. Johnson will be the featured artist at Ferrum College’s African American Literature Conference December 7-8.

     Johnson, author of Stain My Days Blue, will perform her own poetry and that of other writers Friday, Dec. 7, at 6:15 in the Panther’s Den in Franklin Hall. In addition, she will speak at the luncheon on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 12:30, also in the Panther’s Den.

     Following Johnson’s performance Friday evening will be a reception, after which Ferrum’s jazz ensemble and gospel choir will perform in Sale Theatre.

     The African American Literature class will present posters and essays about writers and other subjects, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, African American art, jazz, hip hop, and spirituals on Saturday.

     Everyone is invited, and those with an interest in literature or African American studies are especially welcome.

     All events, including the luncheon, are free. Reservations are needed only for the luncheon. For more information or to make luncheon reservations for Saturday, please call Katherine Grimes at 540-365-4264.

     Ferrum College is a four-year, private, co-educational, liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Ferrum offers a choice of nationally recognized bachelor’s degree programs at a cost well below the national average for private colleges. For more information on Ferrum, visit www.ferrum.edu.