An Evening of Poetry & Craft with Derrick Harriell

Don't miss New York Times bestselling author and UWM Professor Derrick Harriell for a special reading and conversation on the creative process. Plus, catch opening readings by emerging voices from the UWM writing program.

This event is hosted by Frisson, a series that inspires communities to and feel through dialogue with creatives and storytellers. 

Professor Derrick Harriell bio

Derrick Harriell is the Interim Director of the Black Student Cultural Center and a Professor of English at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. An acclaimed poet and fiction writer, Harriell is the author of several poetry collections, including Stripper in Wonderland, Come Kingdom, Cotton, and Ropes, which received the 2014 Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Poetry Book Award. His short story, “There’s a Riot Goin’ On,” earned the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award. Harriell earned an MFA from Chicago State University and a Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. In March 2026, he coauthored The Voice in My Head is God with grammy award winning rapper 2 Chainz.

*Free admission for students and teachers with school ID (Show at front desk)