Joy Harjo, a name synonymous with Native American literature, is a renowned poet, musician, and writer. Born on May 9, 1951, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Harjo belongs to the Muscogee Creek Nation. Her deep-rooted ancestry has significantly shaped her literary works, drawing inspiration from indigenous mythology and cultural traditions. A graduate in Creative Writing from the University of Iowa, Harjo painted life's rich canvas through her poetry and prose, often shedding light upon the intricate cross-weave of Native American plight, resilience, and spirituality.
Embraced globally for her creative brilliance, Harjo celebrated her poetic journey with the publication of nine books of poetry. Her most notable works include "She Had Some Horses," "In Mad Love and War," and the much-acclaimed "An American Sunrise." Adding to her acclaim, her memoir "Crazy Brave" received the PEN Center USA literary award for creative nonfiction, further solidifying her standing as an invaluable asset to the literary world.
Harjo's unfathomable commitment to literature and cultural preservation crowned her as the first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate in 2019. In addition to her writing prowess, Harjo broadened her creative horizon to music, introducing five award-winning albums to the world. Her profound influence on American literature continually remains evident, as she upholds the voices and stories of her community through her spirited verse and rhythmic tunes.