Caribbean Women Writers
Lifelong Learning | Available (Membership Required)
Caribbean women writers have reshaped contemporary literature with explorations of identity, history, migration and belonging. This five week discussion course introduces participants to selected short works by writers such as Jamaica Kincaid, Rosa Guy, Gemma Stemley, Ramabai Espinet and Merle Hodge. We will explore themes of mother-daughter relationships, cultural inheritance, exile, aging and resilience. Readings will be brief and distributed in class or in pdf to OneDrive. No textbook purchase required. The emphasis will be on shared reflection and dialog to discover how much we as a people share common aspects in our day to day lives; regardless of cultural upbringing. Hence, making the course accessible to experienced readers and those new to Caribbean Literature. Sessions will begin with a musical (3-5 minute) excerpt to contextualize cultural rhythms present in the Literature. They will feature the Calypso, Reggae, Mento, and the sounds of the steelpan which originated in Trinidad.
Gemma Stemley
Gemma Stemley is a writer, poet, retired College administrator, and musician, having played the flute for several years professionally. She emigrated to the US more than twenty-five years ago, having grown up on the island of Trinidad. As a poet and musician whose art reflects a deep connection to the land of her upbringing, she epitomizes the true Caribbean spirit. Her poetry explores the intimate emotions of having to call two places home. Gemma has performed on several college campuses, where she was hired to play her Caribbean music. She has also made appearances to read her poetry.
Gemma has a BS from the University of the West Indies and a Master’s degree from Clarion University in Library and Information Science. She is ABD (All But Dissertation) having completed coursework for her PhD in Literature and Criticism from Indiana University of Pa. She taught classes at both Clarion University and Cheyney University in International Women’s literature while working as an administrator on both these campuses. Being an avid reader in world literature she is especially influenced by Caribbean, African, Indian and African American writers. She loves the poetry of Gwendolyn Brooks, Derek Walcott and Rabindranath Tagore.
Gemma has published two books, one of which received an award from the National Indie Book of Excellence. Finding Home: A Sentimental Journey, is an exploration of the meaning of home. Her most recent book- Sharing Spaces: Poems of the Heart is a collection of her poems.