He is also the editor of Letters to America: Contemporary American Poetry on Race, and the author of a book of short stories. A professor of English at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, he received the 1985 Brittingham Prize for Poetry. A frequent visitor to his hometown, Jim remains an active force in the community of art and poetry. He often lends his voice and work in support of social and labor issues. Detroit Focus is very pleased to have his work in this collection.