The conference’s final thematic focus was the role of formal innovation in defining and developing a Black aesthetics for the future. These seven poets explore directions which are “pushing the envelope” of African American poetic expression.
Cross-pollination in the Diaspora reflects upon the reciprocal influence between Black American poets and writers from the rest of the African literary Diaspora
Roots and First Fruits discusses the major influences shaping the creative origins, poetic voice and stylistic approach of these poets. Significant influences include regional language, historic context, geographic location, personal passions, and p...
The year 2017 will be the centennial of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks’ birth. In recognition of her groundbreaking work and legacy, we include this tribute to Brooks. Brooks reads some of her favorite and most powerful poems – in ...
This video volume highlights the younger poets who represent the promise and diversity of Black poetry in the 1990s. As they read and discuss their work, we see how themes which emerged in the three previous video volumes are being re-worked and exp...
The Black Arts Movement swept through the 1960's as the lieterary arm of the Black liberation movements of those years. It defined a strong Black cultural identity and waged a war for literary self-determination. In this video volume these veterans ...
This video volume introduces readers to the poets who laid the groundwork for today's Black poetry renaissance and mentored many of the younger voices represented in this collection. These writers, many of whom began writing during the '40's provide...
Following the Black Arts Movement, the poets who began publishing in the 1970's felt free to broaden the scope of African American poetry. While retaining the same political commitment, they extended their vision into new regions, exploring personal...
Blooming in the Whirlwind locates Black poets within their historic moment and contextualizes them within relevant political movements - Civil Rights, Black Nationalism, post-colonialism and multiculturalism.
This volume recalls the key role played by poets as architects of the Black Arts Movement, their contribution to the African American Freedom Struggle and adaptation to the political changes of the past half-century. It features a panel: “S.O.S Ca...