Renowned African American poet, playwright, musician and educator Mari Evans was recognized Wednesday night by Iowa State as the spring George Washington Carver scholar.

Evans, who is known for her poem “I am a Black Woman” from the novel “Nightstar,” shared her philosophies on life and writing with her audience gathered in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union.

“I think that what we [as writers] try to do is reveal all we possible can about ourselves,” Evans said.

Evans shared many of her works and how they came to be created with her listeners.

Authenticity is something Evans strives for in her pieces, and she said it is one of the reasons why most of her poems are about real people.

“There are people pieces that come from watching the drama in the lives of others,” she said.

After two “bad” experiences while traveling by plane, Evans said she gets inspiration from her primary mode of transportation — the train.

She said some of her poems come from experiences she has had on the train.

When traveling through the south, Evans said it has an even greater impact because she feels at one with what was past.

“We are part of everything that is past,” Evans said.

In reflecting on the past, Evans’ stronger passion is ensuring that there is a promising future.

“While we were thinking of changing the world and changing humanity, one of the things we thought about was the need to educate our children,” she said.

The impact of Evans talent and awarded works have not gone unnoticed.

J. Herman Blake, director of the African American studies program, said Evans has “extraordinary” talent.

“I nominated her [as the Carver scholar] because I have worked for her for over 25 years, and I have seen her work,” he said.

Aside from her novel “Nightstar,” Evans also has edited and contributed to the book, “Black Women Writers (1950-1980): A Critical Evaluation” and wrote a musical dramatization of Zora Neale Hurston’s novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”

“[Evans] wrote the lyrics, the music and the script for this work,” Blake said. “The world premiere was in her hometown of Indianapolis, and it is under consideration for performance in other cities.”

Blake said Uganda, Africa, recently honored Evans for her work by placing her picture on a postage stamp.

“They [created] stamps of six African American writers, and she was the only living writer honored,” he said. “I have seen pictures of her next to a large rendition of the stamp. It is quite an honor.”

Another novel written by Evans titled “Black Women Writers” often is used in the African American and women’s studies programs.

“I think that she is a wonderful, wonderful writer,” said Kathy Hickok, associate professor of English. “I always teach her when I teach African American writers or multicultural women writers.”

Hickok said Evans’ work reminds her of Maya Angelou’s because it is “so strong and her presence is extraordinary.”

“‘I am a Black Woman’ is beautiful and inspiring,” Hickok said. “It reaches out to all women, not just black women.”

Pat Miller, director for the Committee on Lectures, said Evans’ appearance at ISU during the yearlong university celebration honoring George Washington Carver makes her visit “extra special.”

Blake said those who attend the lecture will get a chance to meet and hear a “high quality poet who is also an extraordinary human being.”