Joyce Carol Thomas

“Therefore I approach
The cup slowly
But first I ask
Who has set this table”
Joyce Carol Thomas, Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea

1938 - 2016
About Joyce Carol Thomas
Joyce Carol Thomas (1938–2016) was an award-winning author, poet, and educator whose work beautifully wove together the rhythms of African-American life, the richness of oral storytelling, and the lyrical power of language. Born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and raised in both the cotton fields of the South and the migrant farms of California, Thomas drew on her rural upbringing, church music, and multicultural influences to create deeply moving stories and poetry. Best known for her National Book Award–winning novel Marked by Fire and her celebrated children’s collections such as Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea, she brought warmth, authenticity, and a deep love for family and heritage to every page she wrote.
QUOTES
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Joyce Carol Thomas is a great and graceful soul. Through her example she encourages love. Through her work, understanding, growth, and hope.
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Joyce Carol Thomas' characters enact the verities of human life: romance, apprehension, loss, and hope, and they perform on the author's real life stage.
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I became engrossed, because Miss Thomas writes with admirable simplicity and finds a marvelous fairy tale quality in everyday happenings. Her people move through troubled times but never fail to celebrate sweeter days...
ALICE WALKER
Pulitzer Prize Winner
MAYA ANGELOU
Pulitzer Prize Nominee
ALICE CHILDRESS Drama Desk Award Honoree
CONTACT
For any inquiries about this site or for more information, please contact Omari Tau
Tel: 916-691-7234 | Email: tauo@crc.losrios.edu
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