Thomas Sayers Ellis, Poet of ‘Percussive Prosody,’ Dies at 61

Thomas Sayers Ellis, a renowned American poet, has passed away at the age of 61. Ellis was known for his unique style of "percussive prosody," blending poetry with elements of music and photography. He was a co-founder of the influential Dark Room Collective, a community that played a significant role in the resurgence of Black poetry. Ellis was praised for his innovative and experimental approach to the written word, seamlessly integrating various art forms to create a distinctive poetic voice. His work was celebrated for its rhythmic and lyrical qualities, which often challenged traditional poetic structures. As a prominent figure in the literary community, Ellis actively nurtured and supported other writers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. His contribution to the flourishing of Black poetry in the contemporary era is widely recognized, as he helped create a platform for diverse voices to emerge and thrive. The passing of Thomas Sayers Ellis leaves a significant void in the world of American poetry, but his legacy as a trailblazing artist and community builder will continue to inspire generations of writers and artists to come.