Happy heavenly birthday Dr. Maya Angelou! Born April 4, Dr. Angelou was a poet, activist, professor and more. Her iconic/classic poem, “Still I Rise”, is as relevant today as it was when it was first written and published.
365 Black Books Poetry Friday
In honor of April is Poetry month, here are just a few poetry books for and by children and young adults. Happy reading!
365 Black Books Kalamu ya Salaam Tuesday
Happy birthday Kalamu ya Salaam! He celebrates his 79th birthday today! Kalamu ya Salaam is a poet, author, filmmaker, and teacher from the 9th Ward of New Orleans. A well-known activist and social critic, Salaam has spoken out on a number of racial and human rights issues. Here are a few of his works:
365 Black Books Michael S. Harper Thursday
Born March 18, Michael S. Harper was a poet and English professor at Brown University, who was the Poet Laureate of Rhode Island from 1988 to 1993. His poetry was influenced by jazz and history. Some of his notable works:
Below is a biography of Michael S. Harper
365 Black Books Amanda Gorman Monday
A great way to start a Monday is to feature the youngest inaugural poet in the U.S. history. Amanda Gorman, born March 7, is a poet extraordinaire and a cum laude graduate of Harvard University.
365 Black Books Bernice Love Wiggins Saturday
Born March 4, Bernice Love Wiggins was among the first African American female poets published in the United States.
365 Black Books Angelina Weld Grimke Tuesday
Born February 25, Angelina Weld Grimke was a poet, playwright, and teacher. She is best known for her play, Rachel, which was performed in 1916 in Washington, DC. Some of her poems are included in several anthologies.
365 Black Books Haki Madhubuti Tuesday
Haki Madhubuti, poet, author of numerous books and founder of Third World Press celebrated his 84th birthday yesterday, February 23. To read more about this phenomenal man, click here.
Here are just a few of his works.
365 Black Books Audre Lorde Saturday
Audre Lorde, feminist, poet, professor was born on February 18. She passed away in 1992. Read more about Lorde’s work and legacy here.
A few of her many works:
365 Black Books Langston Hughes Wednesday
Langston Hughes, poet, playwright, and short story writer, was born February 1. More about Langston Hughes can be found here. Some of his notable books:
The CamaraIfe Maktaba 