Image courtesy of the Jackson State University News Room site.
The trip to Mars can only be understood through the history of black Americans. Because Mars is Middle Passage. And we're going to have to study Middle Passage if we want a future on Earth. If we want to move forward we have to study it. ~ Nikki Giovanni, "Meet The Poet," Learn Out Loud
Nikki Giovanni has been a favorite writer of mine since I was a teenager. I've always found her writing to be honest, witty, and soulful. It exudes the feelings and elements of soul, blues, jazz, gospel, and folk music. Giovanni's social and political commentary is searing, at times jolting, but usually on point.
Her eloquent poetry reflects not only the African American experience, but the human experience. And even if you don't agree with her perspectives, your eyes, ears, heart, and mind will be open in ways that they might not have been before. I believe Giovanni's poem "Quilting the Black Eyed Pea (We're Going to Mars)" is a great example of this.
Her eloquent poetry reflects not only the African American experience, but the human experience. And even if you don't agree with her perspectives, your eyes, ears, heart, and mind will be open in ways that they might not have been before. I believe Giovanni's poem "Quilting the Black Eyed Pea (We're Going to Mars)" is a great example of this.
Happy Black History Month!
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