The South is a region of the United States known for vibrant bluegrass and jazz music, African-American literature, fine cuisine, family unity, a strong prevalence of religion and racial stereotypes. These customs, important to this area, prompted artists to write about their experiences in the South. Black American poet and educator Terrance Hayes was strongly influenced by the culture of the Southern United States. Terrance Hayes' works reflect Southern influences and how being a member of the Southern black community shaped his identity and perception of the world. Terrance Hayes tried many avenues before pursuing a career in English. In fact, “he never even considered studying poetry as a child” (Alumnus Profile). Hayes sparked an interest in the English language in high school, which turned into a successful poetry and teaching career. Hayes was born on November 18, 1971 in Columbia, South Carolina. He attended Coker College in 1990 on a basketball scholarship to study visual arts and graduated in 1994 with All-American honors (Casper). Hayes wrote poetry privately throughout high school and eventually showed his work to his English professor his senior year of college, who urged him to enroll in a creative writing program. Hayes graduated in 1997 from Pitt University with a Master of Fine Arts in Poetry and became a mentor to aspiring African American poets. (Student profile). Hayes incorporates his African American culture into his poetry in these three selected poems: a Japanese-style Pecha Kucha titled "Arbor for Butch," a poem regarding racial stigma titled "What I am," and a final poem illustrating the power of black. American Voice, "Lighthead's Guide to the Ga...... middle of paper ......ed, Smart." NPR. Np, 05 May 208. Web. 5 December 2013. Lacey, Gates. "Terrance Hayes." Terrance Hayes. Np, 2013. Web. November 24, 2013. "Martin Puryear." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. November 24, 2013. “National Book Award-Winning Poet.” Terrance Hayes. Np, nd Web. Nov. 24, 2013. Poetry Foundation, 2013. Web. Oct. 22, 2013. Poets.org Academy of American Poets, 2013. Web. Oct. 22, 2013. “Terrance Hayes.” Department of English, n.d. Web. November 24, 2013. “Terrance Hayes".. 2013. .