UNA’s 29th annual Writers’ Series will feature Nikki Giovanni and Trudier Harrison March 13 and 14. The poets have focused many of their works on African-American subjects and have amassed several literary accomplishments that made them ideal guest speakers for the series.

“They both are towering, celebrated and respected figures in their fields,” said Daryl Brown, UNA associate professor of English. “The committee simply felt that the pairing would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for UNA.”

Some English professors at UNA are eager to see and listen to the two authors present and discuss some of their work.

“I know it won’t be boring or typical,” said Lisa Graves-Minor, UNA professor of English. “Our students will have the rare opportunity of hearing from the poet (Giovanni) herself as well as hearing from one of the premier scholars in African-American literature.”

The two-day event introduces the UNA and Shoals community to authors who have had a significant impact on their field of study. Giovanni and Harrision will read and discuss portions of their works with community observers. Students and community members will also be invited to ask questions during the question-and-answer sessions.

“The purpose is to expose students to highly successful professional writers, as well as to simply provide the campus with an opportunity to enjoy the work of writers dedicated to their craft — writers who are both entertaining and thought-provoking,” Brown said.

According to the Writers’ Series website, the event aims to encourage amateur or professional writers to create more material. Giovanni and Harrison were selected as the series’ premier authors because of their expansive backgrounds.

Both authors are renowned for their works in African-American literature with Giovanni writing nearly 30 books including the children’s book “Rosa,” which went to No. 3 on the New York Times Bestsellers list.

“It is hard to describe what Nikki Giovanni does — she reads from her poetry, lectures, comments on topical events, speaks and, in some ways, preaches,” Minor said.

Harrison has toured the world for her lectures concerning African-American folk tales in addition to authoring and editing more than 20 volumes of work concerning African-American literature.

The board hopes the authors’ impressive achievements will inspire others. Minor is also interested to hear the dialogue the two create during group discussions.

“They are pre-eminent figures in and out of the profession,” Brown said. “They are dedicated to scholarship, to craft and to sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience.”

The UNA Writers’ Series will kick off March 14 at 9:30 in the GUC Performance Center with Harris reading and discussing a few of her works. Giovanni will read from her works at 11 a.m. A book-signing and a reception will follow in the Loft.