The Oxford Anthology of African-American Poetry | 
While writing fine verses is a challenge for everyone committed to the art, being black in America often complicates and even threatens the role of the poet and the practice of poetry. Exceptions exist, but the black American poet, especially in the last two generations, typically endures and uneasy relationship to the canon of European and American poetry.
When the editors at Oxford University Press asked me some years ago #FirstLineFridays
Day 2: Forever
"Horton became the first black author in the South to publish a book, as well as the only American to publish a book while living in slavery."
https://m.poets.org/poetsorg/poet/george-moses-horton
@LazyDays #poetrymatters #challenge #poetry #africanamerican
Poem title: Another Poem for Me (after recovering from an O.D.)
#LitsyPoetry365 #blackhistorymonth
Claude McKay is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Such a powerful poem, and one that, sadly, is still appropriate for our time. #LitsyPoetry365 #blackhistorymonth
You can listen to Robert Johnson perform Hellhound On My Trail on You Tube. #LitsyPoetry365 #blackhistorymonth
https://youtu.be/p04Sk7l1Mxw
My apologies for not posting a poem yesterday. I'm getting ready to leave for a week tomorrow on a business trip, and I am trying to pack and get everything done.
Since February is Black History Month, I thought I would share poems from The Oxford Anthology of African-American Poetry. #blackhistorymonth #LitsyPoetry365
The rest of 'I Have a Dream' by Pat Parker. #LitsyPoetry365
In memory of Dr. King and in honor of all persons who are persecuted unjustly in this country every day, I am choosing this poem, 'I Have a Dream,' by Pat Parker to share today. This is part of the poem - I will share the rest on a separate post. #LitsyPoetry365
To the Pale Poets by Ray Durem (1915-1963). The last two lines, which were cut off, read:
very subtle-an autumn leaf
hanging from a tree-I see a body!
#litsypoetry365 #blacklivesmatter #poetry #diversepoetry
This poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar is included in The Oxford Anthology of African-American Poetry. It was written over 100 years ago, yet it is so relevant to the present. #LitsyPoetry365 #poetry #diversepoetry
Amazing museum! So fascinating and moving. I think it is the most riveting museum experience I've ever had. Evidence of the American spirit and resilience around every corner. #nmaahc
Started going through this - it is amazing and one I think everyone should read. Even though it was published 10 years ago, its relevance for today can't be emphasized enough. The introduction alone makes it worth buying or borrowing. The focus of the book is Black culture, and the poems are grouped by topics, rather than chronology or poet. I'll be sharing some pages so you can decide for yourself. #poetry #blacklivesmatter #diversebooks
