Dudley Randall (1914–2000)

This is one of the greatest collections of poetry I've ever read, because it is more than just a collection of well-written pieces. It is a journey through Black culture in America going all the way from the folk songs of the early slaves to the raw political no-shit-taking poems of writers in the seventies. It shows the assimilation, the rebellion, the adjustment, and the upheaval needed to survive as a poet in a land that would rather you shut up then speak out and write down. It show more highlights the diversity of Black culture and privileges no one way of living the Black poet life.

It feeds the spirit. Nourishes the mind. Energizes the body. Challenges all. And it calls to question, strikingly, why more of these poets aren't recognized in mainstream academia. Why I had to stumble upon this book in my mom's collection rather than see it at school or in the library. Why these works were never suggested to me when I clung to poetry as a teenager.

This anthology is real and relevant and right on. I'd recommend it to anyone who's ready for a ride. show less

Terrible title to attract new readers - poems are chilling, beautiful, and straightforward.

Hope there are more!

Evocative Poetry - notably memorable to apply the title poem to Russia.

this is brilliant.