MEET JOSEPH "BLACK ATTICUS" WOODS

	Joseph "Black Atticus" Woods

Black Atticus is one of the most intelligent and heartfelt voices of the new Southern hip-hop movement.

Hailing from Knoxville, Atticus weaves the art of conversation through nu-sage wisdom with a dash of mother wit, the hard facts of life, and a honest sense of humor that hits home seamlessly. 

For more than 30 years, Black Atticus has gained widespread recognition for his artistic achievements. Notably, as a hip-hop artist and spoken word performer, he holds a profound belief that being an artist extends beyond those who entertain. He believes that everyone possesses artistic qualities in their own unique way, inspiring individuals to embrace the artist within themselves.


JOSEPH WOODS NAMED KNOXVILLE’S NEW POET LAUREATE

Joseph Woods, known by his performance name Black Atticus, has been appointed as Knoxville's new Poet Laureate by Mayor Indya Kincannon. He succeeds Rhea Carmon, who previously held the esteemed position as the City's third poet laureate, also appointed by Mayor Kincannon in 2020. 

Woods is the founder of Po’Boys & Poets, an event that showcases the diverse talents of artists like himself in both Knoxville and Nashville. In addition, he is also the co-founder of Good Guy Collective, a collaborative organization nurturing an environment for artists to create music. 

In 2022, Woods participated in Boundless: Artists in the Archives, a program of the University of Tennessee Libraries that invites artists to dive into the rare and unique items in its special collections to find inspiration for their own artistic endeavors. Woods explored the Dr. C.S. Boyd Photograph Collection, an archive of photographs of African Americans including Boyd, his dental office, and his family who lived in Knoxville in the early 20th century. One of the works he created in the program was "Seed to Sun." 

SCHEDULE AS POET LAUREATE

Aug. 9, 2023 - Knoxville Poetry Slam Open Mic
Knoxville Poetry Slam's monthly open mic. Attendees are invited to read some of their work. 6:45 - 8:45 p.m. Central Cinema, 1205 N. Central Street.
Tickets

Sept. 9, 2023 - Knoxville Poet Laureates
A night with Knoxville's current and past poet laureates, Black Atticus and RheaSunshine. 6 p.m. Birdhouse Neighborhood Center, 800 N. 4th Avenue. 
Tickets