MEADOWS FOUNDATION MARKS GAY PRIDE MONTH WITH WHITMAN SALUTE

To mark its first celebration of Gay Pride Month, the Meadows Foundation in Somerset will hold a "Salute to Walt Whitman." This talk will be held on Friday, June 6, 7:30 p.m. at Tulipwood, 1165 Hamilton Street, Somerset. Walt Whitman, known as "the father of free verse," is one of the most influential poets in the American canon. Known especially for his poetry collection “Leaves of Grass” Whitman’s work was very controversial in its time and banned in Boston. “Leaves of Grass,” first
published in 1855 and revised continually until Whitman’s death in 1892, was described as obscene for its overt representations of human sexuality.

The “Salute” will be in the form of a talk given by Dr. Tyler Hoffman, Associate Professor of English at Rutgers University-Camden. Dr. Hoffman, editor of the electronic Whitman studies journal “Mickle Street Review,” is also associate editor of the “Robert Frost Review” and a board member of the Walt Whitman Association. Dr. Hoffman’s talk will highlight Whitman’s artistry and beliefs, as well as his legacy and influence on modern American literature.

Tickets are $10 each and may be reserved by calling 732-748-7657, or through the Meadows Web site, www.themeadowsfoundation.org Seating is limited to 50.