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 Ishmael Reed Monday
Ishmael Reed was born February 22 and is a poet, novelist, essayist, playwright, songwriter, public media commentator, lecturer and publisher. He has written more than 40 books, a few posted below. Read more about Ishmael Reed here.
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 Dudley Randall Wednesday
Born January 14, Dudley Randall was a poet and founder of Broadside Press, which published many works of poetry. He was also Detroit’s first Poet Laureate
His book: The Black Poets
Another book: Roses and Revolutions
A book about him: Wrestling With the Muse
365 Black Books Cornelius Eady Sunday
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
365 Black Books Throwback Thursday
These books are written by poet, musician, and more Gil Scott-Heron.
Book 1: The Vulture by Gil Scott-Heron. Gil Scott-Heron’s first novel that he wrote at the age of 20.
Book 2: Now and Then by Gil Scott-Heron. His song lyrics/poems
Book 3: The Last Holiday A Memoir by Gil Scott-Heron
April 20 Poet of the Day: Askia M. Toure
Askia M. Toure, poet, activist, and a leading voice in The Black Arts Movement, is April 20 Poet of the Day. Read more about this fascinating poet below.
Biography: http://biography.jrank.org/pages/2377/Tour-Askia.html
The History Makers: http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/askia-toure-41
Journal of Pan African Studies: http://www.jpanafrican.com/docs/vol5no7/5.67Askia.pdf
Videos: “A History of Civil Rights and the Black Arts Movement”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiTKQRfVu1Q; “Nubian Dawn: A Goddess Smiles”: https://vimeo.com/19921546; “Black Writers Museum”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyWFwuk1WUM; “Spit Fire Poetry Fest”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFwmsjiaHeU
The CamaraIfe Maktaba 