Black Reads: Issue 031
April is all about the Black poets who are alive, that means YOU boo!
For April, I decided to show the poets in the community some love. Plus, I needed a creative way to publish all of the poetry submissions from the last open call. All the Black poets to the FRONT, please!
Starting on Sunday, April 5th, I’m launching our “Seven Days of Black Poetry” series featuring E.A. Noble, zackevia s., B4, Trinity Ibrena, Artist Green, Maya Jeanne, and Alina Moore! Thank y’all so much for your submissions! I hope this series makes you feel special and honored this month!
Now, for the Black Reads newsletter all month, I’m spotlighting all of us, so when I do the roll call for you to share your poetry links, that’s how you get a chance to be featured in a newsletter this month, just like everyone this week! Enjoy!
"I am today Borrowed from and inspired by Breath. I am kept By bodies that keep on keeping on"
One thing about Black writers, we gon’ make sure you know our ancestors got our back, and that they don’t play about us. Britt George is someone I’ve actually had the pleasure to meet in real life before connecting online, reading your work after hearing you speak on the panel, girl, wow! “The Way Home” is the perfect publication name.
"while you hold in your brilliance But you’re afraid to breathe And while every cell in you is dying and the air in your lungs is longing to be free"
Damnit ☆ cj morae I’m breathing girl. I was gasping for air as I read each line, but by the time I got to the end, I found myself taking a deep, passion-filled breath, filling my lungs with life in a way I haven’t intentionally done before. This was more than a poem; it felt like a subtle invitation to heal, collectively. So, I say thank you for this beautiful offering and for lending your pen in such a special way.
"I’ve known trees;
I’ve known trees ancient as the world and older than
the bones that hold together human bodies.
My soul has grown mighty like the redwoods."Now, this is how you honor the ancestors. Round of applause to you RA Cloud! Of course, I had to look up Langston Hudges’ poem after reading yours, and this is what I imagine a cowritten poem between the two of you would look like. He would be proud, and for what it’s worth—I’m proud of you too!
"i keep them thangs on me you know i keep my tool on me i always keep that thang on me and she goes by cowrie"
Now, this is what you call a Black ass poet with the utmost respect to you camilla, but girllllll this poem is probably going to go down as one of my favorites that make it off the computer screen to a frame hanging on the walls of my home. It’s that good, y’all.
Of course, I have the extended version for you. Here’s the roll call Note posted this week, and the paid subscribers Chat thread for more Black poetry! Feel free to add your poetry Substack link in the comments of THIS newsletter today. I don’t normally allow this behavior, but it’s aligned with the theme this month.
Beyond honored for the mention! So giddy to be surrounded by powerful poets/writers.
As a poet, we appreciate the visibility!! It’s so needed and so special!