https://blackgirlnerds.com/celebrate-national-poetry-month-in-april/
National Poetry Month is celebrated every April and reminds us that poets have an essential role in our culture and that poetry matters. Launched in 1996, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world. It’s an opportunity to celebrate such an expressive art form.
Poetry helps us to appreciate the world, as well as bring attention Poetry helps us appreciate the world and brings attention to things that need more understanding or compassion. Typically, we think of poetry as boring or nerdy but, this month allows us to change our perspectives and look to poetry as a rhythmic art of expression.
The success of Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March led to the initiation of National Poetry Month in April by the Academy of Poets. The first-ever National Poetry Month was celebrated in 1996, but the history of poetry itself goes back thousands of years.
Poetry is a form of storytelling. It used to be a popular way to share stories about history through ballads. These ballads were used to announce the news to kingdoms. An ode, a lyrical poem, serves to glorify an event or person and was used to tell stories about victories.
Other genres of poetry came forth: epic, comic ,and tragic. These paved the way for poetry to expand throughout Europe. Modern poetry includes various forms and genres from different cultures and pasts.
I was introduced to poetry when I was eight years old, by my Nana. She wrote poetry and often recited it at church and in different groups she belonged to. Nana loved writing poetry and shared that with me. She would always buy me those black and white composition books and told me I could write about anything I wanted. I found such freedom in that, as I was a shy child. I also found it a challenging to see how I could make words rhyme.
The first poem I ever read and memorized was Maya Angelou’s, Phenomenal Woman. I was probably in seventh grade, and I remember reading it over and over again. It was the way it made me feel. Her words were confident and made me feel proud. It still gives me that feeling to this day.
Poetry has always been an outlet for me; a space where I can go to lay my burdens down on the page. I have the power to create worlds, inspire, persuade, and educate. It allows me to say things, in my own way, that people will feel and be changed by it.
Phyllis Wheatley was the first Black author of a published book of poetry. Born in West Africa, she was sold into slavery as a child and taken to Boston, where she was bought by the Wheatley family.
If Lucy Terry Prince were living now, she would be known as a spoken word artist. She was born in Africa and then sold to Ebenezer Wells in Massachusetts. In 1746, Prince witnessed two white families attacked by Native Americans. The fight took place in an area of town known as “the Bars.” She wrote a poem entitled Bars Fight which, was considered the earliest recited poem by a Black American.
George Moses Horton made history by becoming the first Black American to publish poetry in the south. He was born on a plantation in Northampton County, North Carolina, and was always drawn to lyrics, and began composing and reciting poems for college students who paid him. He published his first collection of poetry, The Hope of Liberty, in 1829. His second collection of poetry, The Poetical Works of George M. Horton, was published in 1845.
These poets are important because they prepared a foundation for Langston Hughes, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Alice Dunbar Nelson, Francis Ellen Watkins Harper, and others to be able to share their voices. In turn, they have made it possible for modern-day poets to write, recite, and publish work.
In 1993, Maya Angelou became the second poet in history to read a poem (On the Pulse of Morning) at a presidential inauguration and the first Black woman to do so. Robert Frost was the first inaugural poet in 1961.
Poetry has become universal and mainstream. From the White House to big stages like America’s Got Talent where Brandon Leake, a spoken word poet from California, won season 15. Amanda Gorman recited Chorus of the Captains during Super Bowl LV. She said, “Poetry at the Super Bowl is a feat for art & our country, because it means we’re thinking imaginatively about human connection even when we feel siloed.”
I meet people all the time that tell me they aren’t into poetry – it’s difficult to understand and all sounds the same. I know that they just haven’t found the joy yet. Maybe hearing poetry, rather than reading it, will do it. I recommend watching Jasmine Mans and Rudy Francisco on YouTube. You’ll never be the same. Find book recommendations here and visit the Academy of American Poets to sign up for their poem-a-day.
As the great Audre Lorde said, “Poetry is not only a dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives. It lays the foundations for a future of change, a bridge across our fears of what has never been before.”
National Poetry Month is celebrated every April and reminds us that poets have an essential role in our culture and that poetry matters. Launched in 1996, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world. It’s an opportunity to celebrate such an expressive art form.
Poetry helps us to appreciate the world, as well as bring attention Poetry helps us appreciate the world and brings attention to things that need more understanding or compassion. Typically, we think of poetry as boring or nerdy but, this month allows us to change our perspectives and look to poetry as a rhythmic art of expression.
The success of Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March led to the initiation of National Poetry Month in April by the Academy of Poets. The first-ever National Poetry Month was celebrated in 1996, but the history of poetry itself goes back thousands of years.
Poetry is a form of storytelling. It used to be a popular way to share stories about history through ballads. These ballads were used to announce the news to kingdoms. An ode, a lyrical poem, serves to glorify an event or person and was used to tell stories about victories.
Other genres of poetry came forth: epic, comic ,and tragic. These paved the way for poetry to expand throughout Europe. Modern poetry includes various forms and genres from different cultures and pasts.
I was introduced to poetry when I was eight years old, by my Nana. She wrote poetry and often recited it at church and in different groups she belonged to. Nana loved writing poetry and shared that with me. She would always buy me those black and white composition books and told me I could write about anything I wanted. I found such freedom in that, as I was a shy child. I also found it a challenging to see how I could make words rhyme.
The first poem I ever read and memorized was Maya Angelou’s, Phenomenal Woman. I was probably in seventh grade, and I remember reading it over and over again. It was the way it made me feel. Her words were confident and made me feel proud. It still gives me that feeling to this day.
Poetry has always been an outlet for me; a space where I can go to lay my burdens down on the page. I have the power to create worlds, inspire, persuade, and educate. It allows me to say things, in my own way, that people will feel and be changed by it.
Phyllis Wheatley was the first Black author of a published book of poetry. Born in West Africa, she was sold into slavery as a child and taken to Boston, where she was bought by the Wheatley family.
If Lucy Terry Prince were living now, she would be known as a spoken word artist. She was born in Africa and then sold to Ebenezer Wells in Massachusetts. In 1746, Prince witnessed two white families attacked by Native Americans. The fight took place in an area of town known as “the Bars.” She wrote a poem entitled Bars Fight which, was considered the earliest recited poem by a Black American.
George Moses Horton made history by becoming the first Black American to publish poetry in the south. He was born on a plantation in Northampton County, North Carolina, and was always drawn to lyrics, and began composing and reciting poems for college students who paid him. He published his first collection of poetry, The Hope of Liberty, in 1829. His second collection of poetry, The Poetical Works of George M. Horton, was published in 1845.
These poets are important because they prepared a foundation for Langston Hughes, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Alice Dunbar Nelson, Francis Ellen Watkins Harper, and others to be able to share their voices. In turn, they have made it possible for modern-day poets to write, recite, and publish work.
In 1993, Maya Angelou became the second poet in history to read a poem (On the Pulse of Morning) at a presidential inauguration and the first Black woman to do so. Robert Frost was the first inaugural poet in 1961.
Poetry has become universal and mainstream. From the White House to big stages like America’s Got Talent where Brandon Leake, a spoken word poet from California, won season 15. Amanda Gorman recited Chorus of the Captains during Super Bowl LV. She said, “Poetry at the Super Bowl is a feat for art & our country, because it means we’re thinking imaginatively about human connection even when we feel siloed.”
I meet people all the time that tell me they aren’t into poetry – it’s difficult to understand and all sounds the same. I know that they just haven’t found the joy yet. Maybe hearing poetry, rather than reading it, will do it. I recommend watching Jasmine Mans and Rudy Francisco on YouTube. You’ll never be the same. Find book recommendations here and visit the Academy of American Poets to sign up for their poem-a-day.
As the great Audre Lorde said, “Poetry is not only a dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives. It lays the foundations for a future of change, a bridge across our fears of what has never been before.”
Afronerd Radio can now be heard LIVE courtesy of Apple Music/Itunes
Let's jump, jump, jump to it, folks! Welcome to the latest episode of Afronerd Radio's Grindhouse broadcast, airing this Sunday at 6 p.m. eastern on BTalk 100. Listen to the verbal stylings of your "friendly neighborhood" AFROnerdist hosts as they tackle the following topics: It appears that Marvel will be revisiting the notion that Marvel's Blade IP has a daughter with similar abilities. Bloodline: Daughter of Blade will make her debut during May '22's Free Comic Book Day; The Slap Heard Around The World controversy continues with the announcement of Will Smith's ouster from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; the NY Post had a recent op-ed piece positing that perhaps Black Women should expand their dating/marrying options to include White men in the wake of SCOTUS confirmation hearings of Ketangi Brown Jackson; More on Disney plus' Moon Knight streaming series; Morbius underwhelms but there are a proposed 11 films slated for release after this one; comic legend, Eddie Murphy intends to portray another staple from the 70s (and beyond), music icon, George Clinton:
And lastly, S4 of HBO Max's Young Justice returns and identity politics are front and center, apparently:
One thing that Dburt is doing (finally) is investing in cryptocurrency, courtesy of Roundlyx. We would implore our followers to investigate, discern and then explore by using our referral code: afro-87A4BF
Call us LIVE at 508-645-0100. AFTER CLICKING ON THE HIGHLIGHTED LINK, GO DIRECTLY TO AFRONERD RADIO!!!
Also, Afronerd Radio's podcast format can be heard via BTalk 100 Pandora, Spotify, and, IHeartRadio....more formats to follow!
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan / Artist: Fiona Staples / Image
Welcome back to the print media emotional damage marathon that is Saga. To briefly refresh your memory on the events of Saga #56, a rival drug running crew intercepted of favorite space fugitive family and however horrible we thought they were going to be, they ended up being even more horrible. Sir Robot IV’s father wanted vengeance and someone was a little too eager to reply. But before we get into any of those threads, Hazel opens Saga #57 with some much needed backstory and an emotional salve.
Hazel (via Brian K. Vaughan, I suppose) is a fantastic storyteller, and the anecdote that opens issues provides a very satisfying resolution to the cliffhanger threat that capped the last issue. Alana is reasonably pissed and terrified for her family. With a new job lined up, and more shenanigans, Saga #57 carries on by showcasing its wonderfully playful (and sometimes murderous) side cast and provides some brilliant meme panels. Vaughan’s interplay of dialog, narration, and exposition continues to be top-notch, and Staples’s art is still stellar. The dual narrative that has formed in the story’s back half continues to give plenty of enticing developments and there’s also more intrigue injected right at the end of the issue, you know just to make sure we don’t get too comfortable with any status quo for too long.
Saga‘s been one of the best comics on the shelves since its inception and the hiatus, in real life or time skip in-universe, has not changed a thing. You should be reading Saga so you can talk about Saga. It’s a showcase of artistry and penmanship that I’m thankful that I get to read and I’m already itching for next month.
10.0 “Asterisks” out of 10
Reading Saga? Find BNP’s other reviews of the series here.
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The post Saga #57 Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
April 2022 marks the official 21st anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) recognizes their Building Safe Online Spaces Together campaign to highlight how each of us have a part in creating safe, respectful, and equitable online communities.
Sexual harassment, assault, and abuse can happen anywhere, including online. These things have become expected behaviors online, and we’re almost numb to it. During April, NSVRC’s goal is to educate communities that anyone can practice consent and that we can intervene when we witness harmful behaviors and promote safety and respect — both online and offline.
Sexual violence is a topic that is difficult to hear about and even harder to say. Conversations about rape and sexual assault are uncomfortable and even awkward for people to discuss. Whether it’s someone who has been violated or someone who hasn’t, the word “rape” sets an unpleasant tone that creates a wall of silence — a wall that needs to come down to expose all the violence that plagues our society.
The awkwardness stems from a culture of ignorance about rape and sexual assault. We all know rape is wrong and that it should not happen. But we don’t like to talk about it. We have limited language to fully address rape. However, there is no shortage of people telling women how to prevent themselves from being raped, which is absurd.
In the 1940s and ’50s, movements for social change started to gain traction and were led by Black women and women of color. Rosa Parks worked at the intersection of race-based and gender-based violence. This would later be called “intersectionality” by Columbia professor Kimberlé Crenshaw.
The first rape crisis center was founded in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1971, the same city where the first Take Back the Night event was held seven years later. Even before Sexual Assault Awareness Month was nationally observed in 2001, advocates had been holding events and marches related to sexual violence.
I am a survivor of rape. I was an 18-year-old freshman in college. It still affects me and always will. It’s one of those things that never leave you; you never forget. Although you carry on with your life, you are forever changed. It’s an acceptance you have no choice in making. I called myself a victim for many years, and that language shaped how I saw myself in every area of my life.
What I’ve learned over the years is that there is a silence around sexual assault and rape. We have to educate ourselves about it, to be able to have conversations and help those in the aftermath of a rape. The understanding of the language of sexual violence is vital.
Sharon Marcus is a professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University. Her essay, “Fighting Bodies, Fighting Words: A Theory and Politics of Rape Prevention,” explains that the “language of rape solicits women to position themselves as endangered, violable, and fearful, and it invites men to position themselves as legitimately violent and entitled to women’s sexual services.” Her essay is important because it focuses on the theory that the language of rape shapes the people involved as either vulnerable or privileged.
For example, calling someone a “victim” of rape shows that a person had something taken away from them that they didn’t want to give up in the first place. It takes away their power. The language, and the words we use, like “victim,” make it harder for a person to see themselves as a survivor.
When Dan Turner, father of Brock Turner (who raped and assaulted a young woman behind a dumpster), said that his son’s conviction was, “. . . a steep price to pay for 20 minutes of action out of his 20 plus years of life,” he diminished the crime, degraded the woman, and pointed the finger away from his son — the rapist — and toward the woman he raped. Society has supported a culture of rape, and this language reinforces victim blaming. Her character was also assaulted; her being inebriated was criminalized more than Turner’s violence.
We have to stop looking at people who have been raped as victims. They are survivors who have or will overcome an experience that doesn’t define who they are. It’s time to change the language in order to tear down the walls and have normal conversations.
As the NSVRC highlights protecting online spaces this month, they make an essential point that certain behaviors have become so normalized that sexual abuse is not taken seriously. Some forms of online sexual harassment and abuse include:
Sometimes violence is initiated online and then takes place in person. But even when the abuse occurs virtually, the impact on the victim can be just as harmful.
During the month of April, you can do your part to raise awareness and get involved. Visit the National Sexual Violence Resource Center and join the #30DaysofSAAM challenge on Instagram. There will be daily prompts that encourage creative ways to raise awareness, educate, and connect with others.
If you are a victim of sexual assault, you are not alone. The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) can help. Call the Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to be put in contact with your local rape crisis center.
Other resources:
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
Kimberle’ Crenshaw, intersectionality