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Black Poetry Day

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Black Poetry Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated each year on October 17. The day was chosen because it is the anniversary of the birth of Jupiter Hammon, on October 17, 1711. Hammon is believed to be the first African American born in the Americas to have published a poem

Source per Sommerset County Library 10/2023

My black is majestic my black is smooth Even when I was banished from public pool Even if I was portrayed black face fool I was a raven flying above you. I am much more than kinky hair Thick thighs brown eyes and ebony stare I am the truth if you want or dare Take my hand and I’ll take you there. Black is deeper than had been enslaved Nothing weaker than to steal me away From my history where I am great From times mystery of healing faith October 17th we celebrate All black poets on black poetry day You don’t have to know it that you are a poem written by spirit, fruit of the loin strong. Most of us poets are not well known In our hearts we find gem stone home For literacy and for fuchsia full blown Purple royal words we call our own.

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Randy Freie

Date: 4/21/2024 12:41:00 PM

Hi Karen, I really like this poem. I pray for the day when people see the person inside instead of the color of their skin suit. Do you think we'll ever see it? Probably not in our lifetime. Keep up the good work baby sister.

Karen Jones
Date: 4/21/2024 3:54:00 PM

We have to have hope that one day we will see it! Thanks for reading and liking this poem Randy! It means a lot!

Nancy Kaufman

Date: 2/29/2024 5:11:00 AM

Hi Karen, I'm sorry that I didn't see this earlier as it is an outstanding poem. I will also put that date on my calendar for future observance. Blessings..

Karen Jones
Date: 2/29/2024 7:13:00 AM

I love that! Thanks and hugs dear Nancy!

Alex Antonov

Date: 10/30/2023 1:18:00 PM

Such beauty in this text!

Karen Jones
Date: 10/30/2023 3:08:00 PM

Alex thanks!

Lynn D.

Date: 10/24/2023 6:48:00 AM

Beautifully written! Intelligent!

Karen Jones
Date: 10/24/2023 12:06:00 PM

I appreciate you reading this one especially Lynn. Thanks again. Hugs

Regina Elliott

Date: 10/22/2023 6:26:00 AM

Very beauteous poem, Karen. Your poem is rich with the pride and love of being a black person on God's earth. My very best wishes for your wondrous writing. Have a blessed Sunday.

Karen Jones
Date: 10/22/2023 6:45:00 AM

Thank you Regina! Have a blessed day as well!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 10/18/2023 8:17:00 PM

This sure is a stirring write, Karen, truly worthy of honoring Black Poetry Day. The pride in your eyes and the fire alive and alight in your heart ring loud and clear, straight and true, throughout each stanza. Methinks so, anyway... By the authority no one has ever invested in me, I now award you 'First Prize' in the 'Black Poetry Day' contest! Congrats! Huzzah! Bounty and blessings, Gershon

Karen Jones
Date: 10/18/2023 8:21:00 PM

You made me giggle. It's a joy just to have you read and comment. Thanks for that Gershon.

Sotto Poet

Date: 10/18/2023 4:22:00 PM

On this remarkable occasion of Black Poetry Day, we gather to celebrate the profound beauty and power of the African-American literary tradition. In this world, where every soul possesses a unique voice brimming with stories and emotions, it is disheartening to acknowledge that the majority of these voices remain buried, their tales unheard and their brilliance unrecognized.

Karen Jones
Date: 10/18/2023 5:23:00 PM

Agreed dear poet. Hugs

I Am Anaya

Date: 10/17/2023 9:44:00 AM

Black Poetry Day, honoring Jupiter Hammon, Gwendolyn Brooks among others. It's designed to recognize Jupiter Hammon. He was the first published Black poet in the United States. Born a slave, Hammon is considered the father of African American literature. I remember watching Amanda Gorman at President Biden’s inauguration! Lovey poem tribute Karen, touching. xhugs I Am Anaya

Karen Jones
Date: 10/17/2023 9:55:00 AM

Love your wonderful comments and thanks for your interesting input I Am Anaya!

Jerry Brotherton

Date: 10/17/2023 8:15:00 AM

A wonderful tribute to Black Poetry Day. It is true, everyone has a voice worth hearing. But unfortunately, most will never be heard.

Karen Jones
Date: 10/17/2023 9:24:00 AM

Thank you for your ear and compliment Jerry!

Cindy Bahl

Date: 10/17/2023 1:08:00 AM

Karen, Your poem is incredibly powerful, very moving, and quite beautiful. Loved every single line. Here are just a few that jumped out that I love: "I was a raven flying above you." "Black is deeper than had been enslaved Nothing weaker than to steal me away" "You don’t have to know it that you are a poem written by spirit, fruit of the loin strong." I could go on as I LOVE this! Thank you so much for sharing! Take care & keep sharing your lovely poetry! ~ Cindy

Karen Jones
Date: 10/17/2023 1:38:00 AM

Cindy I appreciate you taking time to read my poems. This one especially. Thanks.

Ink Empress

Date: 10/17/2023 12:53:00 AM

Fuchsia full blown, purple royal words, you are right your skin color doesnt define you, and how beautifully you’ve expressed here too. Sadly in this time and century we still see people judge , based on skin color etc. we need more to speak and write celebrating today. I love so many lines in this! Especially “ i am the truth if you want or dare “ that stanza and also the opening line! Such an empowering , powerful poem this is! Absolutely loved reading this

Karen Jones
Date: 10/17/2023 12:58:00 AM

I am so happy you read it and left such kind comments Ink Empress! Thank you so much.:0)

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 10/16/2023 6:48:00 PM

Thank you for this poem. It means a lot to me. Every Black person should read it.

Karen Jones
Date: 10/16/2023 11:47:00 PM

Hilda hugs. I am honored you feel this way. Thank you.

Abdullah Alhemaidy

Date: 10/16/2023 3:00:00 PM

Hello Karen :-) Beautiful read! Have a great day with best hope and warms wishes. AA

Karen Jones
Date: 10/16/2023 3:09:00 PM

Hello Abdullah. Thanks for visiting my page and leaving a kind comment! Love and light to you. K

Panagiota Romios

Date: 10/16/2023 12:55:00 PM

Beautifully written. You know we all come in different colors. And life was far from easy for many. Our past, our color, our race, our sexual orientation does not make us..great I see people the same It’s your ability to be real that makes ypu great!! I love that Poem. “And Then I rise.!” @Thank you for your great poem and notification of the holiday.@ I have an email Sistah in the hood.for the past 20 years in Chicago. I will email her, your poem. Pangie xx . Like Langston Hughes,

Karen Jones
Date: 10/16/2023 1:14:00 PM

Thanks for reading my poem, for kind comments, and for sharing it with your "Sistah" Pangie. I feel we are all human and really this skin should not be relevant but if you have it life is often different. Hugs Love and Light to you!

Christopher Flaherty

Date: 10/16/2023 12:47:00 PM

Hello Karen Thanking you first of all for taking your time to comment on one of my poems. And I am so glad you did because I have now read one of yours in return. Personally I always think if I am not of the subject matter my opinion is not relevant out of respect. So as I am not Black how on earth does my own personal opinion matter or should be taken into account at all. But I love and respect your own personal opinion and the pride you express and take in who exactly you are.

Christopher Flaherty
Date: 10/16/2023 1:48:00 PM

Thank you very much Karen You are so right perfect is quite frankly nonsensical what is perfection anyway. Learn and then teach that what which you have learned. Unfortunately hate itself is both taught and learned. Consciousness is up to the individual and whether or not they are interested or can be bothered to experience others

Karen Jones
Date: 10/16/2023 1:08:00 PM

I appreciate your honesty and your opinion is your right. We are human and no one is perfect. We live act react teach and learn together if we are lucky. I think it is as if we throw a pebble in the water of consciousness. We don't know the affects of the ripple and we hope for the best in its return karma. I am glad you stop by and I am interested in your experiences not just my own so don't be afraid to share. Hugs

Christopher Flaherty
Date: 10/16/2023 12:48:00 PM

And quite rightly so you should and extoll and express this. Because it speaks of pride in not only you but where you come from. And then if anyone dare use that in a derogatory way or slur. Thinking it will harm you or make you feel in anyway lesser . You can smile laugh at them and say thank you very much You have just reaffirmed and given me the greatest compliment of all

Di11y Da11y

Date: 10/16/2023 11:57:00 AM

So powerful Karen, I've started several comments which all fail to convey my response. Excellent words - line 3 stands out as this was within my lifetime and now seems incomprehensible. Well written x

Karen Jones
Date: 10/16/2023 12:38:00 PM

Thanks for sharing and growing beyond. Hugs

John Lawless

Date: 10/16/2023 11:25:00 AM

and when we write we write not words, but truths, not of pain but of spirit. Keep on writing Karen, we all have much to learn, and much to teach.

Karen Jones
Date: 10/16/2023 11:32:00 AM

Well said poet. Hugs thanks for your comment.