Youth Poet Laureate Reads “Theory of Evolution”

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – In February, we are highlighting Black history and showcasing Black excellence as part of our Black History: Voices of Virginia Special.

To celebrate, we invited poet and Hollins University student Elani Spencer. This is the second year Spencer has participated in the special and for this year’s celebration she read her poem, “Theory of Evolution, 1930.”

Spencer says she wrote the poem about Roger Arliner Young, the first African American woman to receive a doctorate degree in zoology. The poem is dedicated to her experience as a scientist and how she became a trailblazing figure in the community.

You can keep up with Spencer and her latest works by visiting her website..

Click here for other stories on Black History Month.

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