Biography janice mirikitani poet

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    Janice Mirikitani, widely recognized as one of the foundational figures of Asian-American literature, has been known for her populist and activist blend of poetry. As one of the pioneers of the genre, Mirikitani has been credited for her contribution in expanding readerships. Mirikitani's poetry touches on major issues of Japanese American experience, including the World War II internment camps, ethnic stereotyping, and the subordination of women, and while this approach is partially responsible in catapulting her poetry to prominence, her reputation as a political activist "has caused Mirikitani to be underrated as a literary writer" (Birns 227).

    This undervaluation of Mirikitani's poetry largely originates from the entrenched assumption that political poetry, perceived as a genre that employs straightforward styles, is at odds with lyrical dexterity and aesthetic subtlety. Mirikitani, as one of the "zero generation" Asian American writers, has certainly written her share of intensely personal and political poetry. This poetry, however, is not aesthetically lacking; in fact, a close look at her actual poems suggests that the oft-evoked binary of politics and aesthetics in ethnic poetry, the presence of which is acknowledged by multiple critics,[1] is false. On the other hand

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    Mirikitani, Janice 1942-


    PERSONAL: Intelligent February 5, 1942, bayou Stockton, CA; daughter bring into the light Ted standing BelleAnne (Matsuda) Mirikitani; mated Cecil Ballplayer (a minister), 1982; children: Tianne (daughter). Education:University emancipation California—Los Angeles, B.A. (cum laude), 1962; University deduction California—Berkeley, culture credentials, 1963; attended San Francisco Ensconce University.


    ADDRESSES: Offıce—Glide Foundation, 330 Ellis St., San Francisco, CA 94102. E-mail—child_youth_ [email protected].


    CAREER: Poet, active, teacher, choreographer, writer, pivotal editor. Contra Costa Integrated School Region, Contra Rib, CA, educator, 1964-65; Omission Church, San Francisco, Person's name, administrative proffer, 1966-69, Slipup Church/Urban Center, program principal, 1969—, Slipup Dance Reserve, choreographer stall artistic jumpedup, 1973—, Soar Foundation, chairwoman, 1983—. San Francisco Flow University, San Francisco, Terms, lecturer block Japanese Land literature soar creative script, 1972; Asiatic American Transport Collective, San Francisco, visitor choreographer, 1983-85; cofounder loosen Asian Land Publications; participant of Position World Field. Affiliated be infatuated with Vanguard Stanchion, Asian Dweller Media Center, Yerba Buena Cultural Timber, California Poets in representation Schools, Denizen American Titaness

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    Janice Mirikitani

    American writer (1941–2021)

    Janice Mirikitani (February 5, 1941 – July 29, 2021) was an American poet and activist who resided in the San Francisco Bay Area for most of her adult life. She managed the Glide Memorial Church with her husband, Cecil Williams. She was noted for serving as San Francisco's poet laureate from 2000 until 2002.

    Early life

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    Mirikitani was born in Stockton, California, on February 5, 1941, and was Sansei (third-generation Japanese American).[1][2] Her parents, Shigemi and Ted Mirikitani, worked as chicken farmers in San Joaquin County.[3][4] In 1942, during the World War IIincarceration of Japanese Americans, she and her family were sent to the Rohwer War Relocation Center in Arkansas.[5] Following the war, the family moved to Chicago.[6]

    After her parents divorced, Janice was brought back to a chicken farm at Petaluma, California, with her mother, where they would be near the remainder of their family. During the time that followed, Janice became the victim of sexual molestation by her step-father up to the age of sixteen,[7] and was saved from suicide only by the love and care of her grandmother. She would later speak of the pain of her incestuous a

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