Category: Black History

19th century, 20th century, American Poetry, Black History, Celebration, modern poetry, United States, William Braithwaite

January 23, 2022

“Rhapsody”

“Are the entrance-place of wonders, Where dreams come in from the rush and din Like sheep from the rains and thunders.” — from “Rhapsody” by William Braithwaite
20th century, American Poetry, Black History, Georgia Douglas Johnson, Poetry, United States, women poets

February 4, 2021

“Welt” by Georgia Douglas Johnson

“For I would go a further while with you…”
20th century, African-American, American Poetry, Black History, Literature, Poetry

February 2, 2021

An Excerpt from “Heritage” by Countee Cullen (1903 – 1946)

“…Spicy grove, cinnamon tree, What is Africa to me?”
18th Century, African-American, American Poetry, Black History, Phillis Wheatley

February 1, 2021

From “To the Right Honoruable William, Earl of Dartmouth” by Phillis Wheatley

Should you, my lord, while you peruse my song, Wonder from whence my love of Freedom sprung, Whence flow these wishes for the common good, By feeling hearts alone best understood, I, young in life, by seeming cruel fate Was snatch’d from Afric’s fancy’d happy seat: What pangs excruciating must molest, What sorrows labour in…
20th century, African-American, America, American, American Poetry, Black History, Leslie Pinckney Hill, Poetry, Uncategorized, United States

February 5, 2019

“Tuskegee” by Leslie Pinckney Hill (1880 – 1960)

Here’s an #excerpt from a #poem, entitled, “Tuskegee” by Leslie Pinckney Hilly: “Not many steps ahead, but this we know— If all our toilsome building is in vain, Availing not to set our manhood free, If envious hate roots out the seed we sow…,”
20th century, America, American, American Poetry, Black History, Lucian B. Watkins, United States

February 4, 2019

“Star of Ethiopia” by Lucian B. Watkins (1871 – 1938)

Here’s an #excerpt from a #poem, entitled, “Star of Ethiopia” by #Lucian B. Watkins: “The night is dark but, one by one, Thy signals, ever and anon, Smile beacon answers to their plea, Out in the Night.”
20th century, African-American, America, American, American Poetry, Black History, Paul Laurence Dunbar, United States

February 1, 2019

“Little Brown Baby” by Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872 – 1906)

Here’s an excerpt from a #poem, entitled, “Little Brown #Baby” by Paul Laurence Dunbar. “Little brown baby wif spa’klin’ eyes Who’s pappy’s darlin’ an’ who’s pappy’s chile? Who is it all de day nevah once tries Fu’ to be cross, er once loses dat smile?”
20th century, America, American, American Poetry, Black History, Dream, European Poetry, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Poetry, United States

February 1, 2019

“Dreams” by Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872 – 1906)

What dreams we have and how they flyLike rosy clouds across the sky;Of wealth, of fame, of sure success,Of love that comes to cheer and bless;And how they wither, how they fade,The waning wealth, the jilting jade –The fame that for a moment gleams,Then flies forever, -dreams, ah -dreams! O burning doubt and long regretO…
African-American, American, American Poetry, Black History, Poetry, Uncategorized

February 25, 2018

“The Don’t-Care Negro” by Joseph Seamon Cotter, Sr. (1861 – 1949)

“…Neber min’ man’s why an’ wharfo’ So de world is big an’ roun’. Neber min’ whar next you’s gwine to So you’s six foot under groun’…”
African-American, Black History, Poetry, Uncategorized

February 24, 2018

“Atlanta Exposition Ode” by Mary Weston Fordham (1862? – 1905)

“…’Cast down your bucket,’ let it be As water flows both full and free..!”