Biography
Terry E. Carter
Author-Poet-Consultant-Speaker
Terry E. Carter is a gifted writer and speaker who graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Fisk University with a bachelor’s degree in English. He also completed a graduate fellowship in Mass Communications at Boston University. Terry E. Carter has been writing and developing his craft for decades. He is a classically-trained poet whose literary influences range from Shakespeare to the Harlem Renaissance. Terry is a sought after poet and presenter on a variety of topics related to Black history, faith, and contemporary culture. He has published five volumes of poetry, including Brown Skin and the Bread of Life: A Poet’s Journey (2010), Brown Skin and the Beautiful Faith: A Poet’s Reflection (2014), Brown Skin and the Brand New Day: A Poet’s Renaissance (2016), Brown Skin and the Burden of Proof: A Poet’s Revelation (2018) and his most recent book Brown Skin and the Brave New World: A Poet’s Anthem, published in 2020.
Terry E. Carter was named the inaugural Poet Laureate of Medford, MA in the summer of 2021. His two-year term ends in June of 2023. You can find out more about Terry E. Carter and purchase his work at www.brownskinnedpoet.net.
Artist's Statement
My poetry and writing seeks to hold a mirror up to the experience of Black and brown people in the US. I try to highlight the importance of faith, courage heroes, creativity and perseverance in our journey. I also need to speak to the inequities and challenges we face as people of color. My work is about diversity, inclusion and acceptance, as well as structural racism and human intolerance. As the inaugural Poet Laureate of Medford, I'm also hoping and working to expand the appreciation of and access to poetry in venues throughout the Mystic Valley.