Summary: Smith's groundbreaking book, 'Blood Dazzler,' chronicles the human, emotional and physical toll exacted by Hurricane Katrina. It was a finalist for the 2008 National Book Award and one of NPR’s Top Books of 2008. A poet, spoken word performer, playwright, author, writing teacher, and former journalist, Smith was inducted into the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent in 2006 and has performed at Carnegie Hall, on tour with Lollapalooza, in the film Slamnation, and on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. Presented by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County and US Trust on July 30, 2009.
