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.



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.



Born March 4, Bernice Love Wiggins was among the first African American female poets published in the United States.


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.



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.





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:






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:





Cornelius Eady, born January 7, is a poet and co-founder of Cave Canem, a network for African American poets.
Three of his works: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/230758/cornelius-eady



These books highlight children and their pets.
Book 1: Thinker My Puppy Poet and Me by Eloise Greenfield; illustrated by Ehsan Abdollahi
Book 2: Sounder by William H. Armstrong A classic!
Book 3: Please, Puppy, Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee; illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Book 4: Not My Cat by Stacey Patton; illustrated by Acamy Schleikorn
Today’s post features books about gratitude and community.
Book 1: Thanks A Million by Nikki Grimes. The award-winning poet wrote several poems on thankfulness and gratitude.
Book 2: Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora. Omu shares her stew with everyone until there is none left for her. What happens next speaks to the power of gratitude and community.
Book 3: Thank You! It’s an Afro by Cassidy Bridges. A true story about self-love and Afro appreciation.