Kate Hymes

In this episode of We Be Griots, host Esi Lewis sits down with Kate Hymes Flanagan — Ulster County's first Poet Laureate, and author of the poem "We Be Griots," which inspired the name of this very podcast series. Kate shares her story of growing up in segregated New Orleans, her journey to New York for graduate school, and her long career in education at SUNY New Paltz and beyond.

Kate also reflects on her path as a poet and her deep commitment to preserving the stories of Black communities in New Paltz. She closes with readings from two of her most powerful works, "Be Intentional" and "We Be Griots," reminding us that every person has a story worth telling — and that we are all capable of being griots ourselves.

What is We Be Griots?

A "griot" is a West African storyteller who preserves the genealogies, historical narratives, and oral traditions of their people. Host Esi Lewis created the Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Center for Black History and Culture, in New Paltz, NY, to share local Black history. Dr. Wade-Lewis loved people, education, and language. Join us to hear personal narratives of the Black community.

We Be Griots is made in collaboration with Episcopal Campus Ministries, and the SUNY New Paltz Department of Digital Media and Journalism. Audio Producer: Brett Barry; Consulting Producer: Allison Moore