Joy Harjo
Biography of Joy Harjo
Full Name and Common Aliases
Joy Harjo, born Joy Foster, is a celebrated poet, musician, and author. She is often referred to simply as Joy Harjo, a name that resonates deeply within the literary and Native American communities.
Birth and Death Dates
Joy Harjo was born on May 9, 1951. As of the latest available information, she is alive and continues to contribute to the arts and literature.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Joy Harjo is an American national and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Her professional titles include poet, musician, author, and educator. She is renowned for her work as a poet and has also made significant contributions as a musician and performer.
Early Life and Background
Joy Harjo was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a place rich in Native American history and culture. Her early life was marked by the complexities of her mixed heritage, as she navigated the cultural landscapes of both her Muscogee (Creek) roots and the broader American society. Harjo's upbringing was influenced by the stories and traditions of her ancestors, which later became a profound source of inspiration for her work. She attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she began to explore her artistic talents. Harjo later pursued higher education at the University of New Mexico, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing, and continued her studies at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, where she received a Master of Fine Arts in Poetry.
Major Accomplishments
Joy Harjo's career is marked by numerous accolades and achievements. She made history by becoming the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States, serving three terms from 2019 to 2022. Her appointment was a significant milestone, highlighting her role as a cultural ambassador and her contributions to American literature. Harjo has received several prestigious awards, including the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, the Wallace Stevens Award, and the American Book Award. Her work has been recognized for its powerful exploration of themes such as identity, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Notable Works or Actions
Joy Harjo's literary oeuvre is vast and varied, encompassing poetry, memoirs, and music. Some of her most notable works include the poetry collections "She Had Some Horses", "In Mad Love and War", and "An American Sunrise". Her memoir, "Crazy Brave", offers an intimate look at her life and the experiences that shaped her voice as a writer. Harjo is also an accomplished musician, blending poetry with music in her performances. Her albums, such as "Red Dreams, A Trail Beyond Tears" and "Winding Through the Milky Way", showcase her talent as a saxophonist and vocalist, further cementing her status as a multifaceted artist.
Impact and Legacy
Joy Harjo's impact on literature and culture is profound. As a trailblazer for Native American voices in mainstream literature, she has paved the way for future generations of Indigenous writers and artists. Her work challenges stereotypes and offers a nuanced portrayal of Native American life, emphasizing themes of survival, healing, and the power of storytelling. Harjo's legacy is not only in her written words but also in her advocacy for Indigenous rights and her efforts to preserve and promote Native American languages and cultures.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Joy Harjo is widely quoted and remembered for her ability to weave together the personal and the universal in her work. Her poetry and prose resonate with readers across cultures and backgrounds, offering insights into the human experience through the lens of her Indigenous heritage. Harjo's words are celebrated for their lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and spiritual wisdom. Her role as the first Native American Poet Laureate brought her voice to a broader audience, solidifying her place as a significant figure in contemporary literature. Joy Harjo's enduring influence is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of diverse voices in shaping our understanding of the world.
Quotes by Joy Harjo
Joy Harjo's insights on:
I have forgotten the reason, forgive me. I have forgotten my name in the language I was born to, forgive me.
When Sun leaves at dusk, it makes a doorway. We have access to ancestors, to eternity. Breathe out. Ask for forgiveness. Let all hurts and failures go. Let them go.
To the destroyers, Earth is not a person. They will want more until there is no more to steal.
I lay my body down in another city, another hotel room. Once Louis Armstrong and his band stayed here. Later the hotel fell to trash. New money resurrected it. Under the red moon of justice, I dream with the king of jazz.
Within a few generations we had gone from being nearly one hundred percent of the population of this continent to less than one-half of one percent. We were all haunted.
Once I traveled far above the earth. This beloved planet we call home was covered with an elastic web of light. I watched in awe as it shimmered, stretched, dimmed, and shined, shaped by the collective effort of all life within it. Dissonance attracted more dissonance. Harmony attracted harmony. I saw revolutions, droughts, famines, and the births of new nations. The most humble kindnesses made the brightest lights. Nothing was wasted.