Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel, Tulare Poet Laureate, was the first woman in California to be honored with a Literary Landmark. Join us for a talk and reading by McDaniel’s longtime friend and biographer, Betty Blanks, in celebration of American Archives Month.

Known as “The Okie Poet,” Wilma McDaniel moved to the San Joaquin Valley in the 1930s Dust Bowl migration. She was a prolific writer who captured the migrant experience and the everyday lives of working people through her poetry. Betty's recent work, Pick Up Your Name and Write: The Life of Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel is a deeply researched narrative of the poet’s life that incorporates collected memories from Wilma's circle of friends as well as reflections on her own family history, which in many ways mirrored Wilma's. She will read selections of Wilma's poetry, consider the role of small presses in the Valley, and discuss her literary legacy. UC Merced Library Archives & Special Collections holds the Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel papers. 

Betty Blanks was born and raised in the San Joaquin Valley and practiced law in Visalia, California for over thirty years. Her relationship with Wilma during the last 14 years of the poet's life was deeply personal. After retiring from her law practice, she was encouraged by others close to Wilma to tell her story. She hopes new readers will find the same inspiration she found in Wilma's writing.

We will have a raffle during the event to give away five copies of the book.

Event Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Event Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 

Event Location: Kolligian Library Building, KL 232 

Registration is encouraged as seating is limited. Light refreshments provided. Visitor parking is in the Bellevue Lot.