A tattooed begging
Handcuffed hands
Is not forgotten
Or fake love
In the loom of Dance
Bar the tasty tang
Bang in water
That drips down a sink
In a cell
Made of steel a curse
To make a connection
A freedom bell
That your God can tell
Is not clear
Until you are in there
The pin in a wheel
In a tale
To say we are here
Hear human
The systems thorough
Until the eyes uncover
Hands rip soil
Gavel rifles march
On the take
Salvation is truth
by Anna D. Smith
We are really excited to feature two outstanding Black women writers: Ayodele “Word Slanger” Nzinga, MFA, Ph.D. who is also Oakland’s Poet Laureate. She is the inaugural adult poet laureate.
Avotcja, multi-percussionist, poet, playwright, radio host and teacher is also featured. An elder, her work inspires as it instructs. Both poets are women who use art to instruct and change those within the sound of their voices.
We are calling the names of recent ancestors Oaklanders Fred T. Smith, Muziki Roberson, Anita Pointer, Bill Russell and other national and international stars—keep shining: Sidney Poitier, Fred T. Smith, Lani Guinier, Valerie Boyd, Mary Alice Smith, Bill Russell, Nichelle Nichols, Mable John, Coolio, Pele (Essence). These ancestors were living example of Black Resistance—
Greatness! Asẹ.
The program will be an online, broadcast through Facebook.com/wandaspicks Sat., Feb. 25, 2023, from 10 AM PT to 1 PM PT.
Here is a link to the 32nd Annual AACP in Feb. 2022 (FB.com/wandaspicks). We dedicated the program to Christine Saed, Al Young and bell hooks.
This link is for the 31st Annual Celebration of African American Poets and Their Poetry.
Here is a link to the 30th Annual Celebration of African American Poets and Their Poetry blog entry.
This year we collaborate for the second year with Karla Brundage, West Oakland to West Africa.
Honoring Black Poets for Poetry Month
On February 19th, 2022, on Zoom, a global reading of poetry from across the globe took place from those whose ancestral heritage derived from the continent of Africa.
The 32nd Annual Celebration of African American Poets and Their Poetry is an annual poetry reading in the East Bay, formerly hosted by the West Oakland Library. Each year for the past 10 or so years we have adopted the yearly theme selected by Association of African American Life and History (ASALH, founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson). This year the theme is African American Health and Wellness. We are dedicating this program to the late Al Young, CA Poet Laureate and bell hooks, womanist, scholar, writer, activist.
The following link is to the Zoom recording of the event: https://www.facebook.com/641666915/videos/531262678165878/
“One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that something can hurt…like really hurt…like bring you to your knees hurt…and still be the right thing” – @Eddie Pinero
On February 19, 2022, from 10-12 noon PST held virtually on Zoom, will be the 32nd Annual Celebration of African American Poets and Their Poetry.
This year’s 2022 theme from Dr. Carter G Woodson’s Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is “African American Health and Wellness.” However, all themes are welcome.
This year program is dedicated to the memories of Al Young and bell hooks.
The event will feature Baba Kalamu ya Salaam and perhaps you. Contact the event host in advance if you are coming and you are a poet of African American descent.
There will be open mic sprinkled in with featured poets.
Last year, was the first time the Celebration went virtual and it went really well. It was a great program honoring two poets who made their transitions late 2020 and early 2021: Adam David Miller (AD Miller) and QR Hand.
This year’s event will start and end
earlier. We are looking once again for in-kind sponsors who can get the word out.
Please register in advance for Sat., Feb. 19, 2022, 10-12 noon PT:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpdu6rrzwjE9JQfvgUECVkX_rDVMtqVEpw
We will have a virtual rehearsal-check-in, Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 12-1 p.m. PT Please register in advance:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87815114641?pwd=V045N1pmZW1DMjV6dm81YTV6aEdUdz09
If you cannot make the rehearsal, 1/17, let me know. I will also open the room 2/19 at 9 AM PT
Here is a link to the 31st Annual Celebration of African American Poets and Their Poetry and here is a link to the 30th Annual Celebration of African American Poets and Their Poetry blog entry.
We want to thank Nia McAllister at MoAD-SF for her help with editing the video last year and posting it to the museum
site.
We also want to thank all of our in-kind sponsors for their help getting the word out and to the poets much love.
Peace and Blessings,
Ms. Wanda Sabir
Founder, Host
(510) 255-5579 message
wolaacp@gmail.com
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N-nOMfHlUzQ
Writings on the Wall LIVE poetry readings, every Saturday, 7:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, hosted by Alexandro Botelho.
Original poems and creative writings read live for your enjoyment. No need to go out to enjoy a live show when you can have one delivered to you in the comfort of your own home every Saturday!
All are welcome and Writings on the Wall look forward to seeing you in the chat!
Poets & Writers:
To submit a writing to be read during a weekly livestream:
Woman, woman, woman, Oh! Yes you
You came from man and you know that’s true.
Even He who made you cannot refute
Your worth, the caliber bestowed upon you
A babe you were, so tiny and small
Cherished by some, by some – not at all
Ten little fingers ten tiny toes
How beautiful you are, only God knows
You began to grow so quickly so soon
You began to talk and in the hearts you dwelled and bloomed
You began to walk, you walked and fell
But picked yourself up and walked again
The years went by, you out did yourself
You found your stance and made yourself
Daily you struggle to prove to the world
That you are a woman of substance and hold
You carry the burden and smile through it all
And proudly you walk so firm and so tall
With you all life begins, with you is where it ends
Your arms are a cradle where broken hearts are mend
You are stronger than you think you just need to see
That little light of hope when hope begins to flee
Woman dear woman, you play your part
These words are spoken right from the heart.
Be strong be bold, be happy and behold
The beauty of life gently unfold.
©2021 Poet Aloysia D’souza
Transformed
My matter
Into bits
Now I’m a Non-fungible Negro
#Poleaxed
The haters
With this trick
So I’m a damned digital hero
I’m coming to
Your Twitter feed
If you cut me
I won’t bleed
I bring this world
What it needs
I’m Cyber
Johnny Appleseed
DeRicki Johnson (@derickijohnson) / Twitter
https://www.twitter.com/derickijohnson
DeRicki Johnson (@derickijohnson) • Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/derickijohnson/
The Street Poetz 