Marcus Wicker

Marcus Wicker is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at the University of Memphis, specializing in Creative Writing. He serves as the Creative Writing Coordinator and oversees the MFA program. His research focuses on poetry exploring race, social justice, and African American experiences, influenced by hip-hop and literary traditions. Wicker’s work critiques systemic inequality while blending musical rhythms and formal innovation.

Education:

• B.A., Western Michigan University, 2006
• MFA, Indiana University, 2010

Research Interests: Wicker’s poetry addresses racial identity, police brutality, and the intersections of faith and academia. His style merges hip-hop cadences with classical forms, challenging traditional literary boundaries. Key themes include theodicy, suburban pastoralism, and the commodification of Black pain.

Awards:

• 2021 NEA Creative Writing Fellowship
• Society of Midland Authors Award
• Poetry Society of America’s Lyric Poetry Award

Advising & Grants: Wicker advises the MFA program and has held fellowships at the Fine Arts Work Center (Provincetown) and Cave Canem. He has secured grants for research on race and cultural critique.

Labs/Teams: Editor of Southern Indiana Review and founder of SIR Press. Collaborates with hip-hop producers like his brother, Flaw da God, to bridge literary and musical arts.