Hope you know that for many, you’re already considered one of the greats!
This book sounds amazing! The one piece you shared had me reading and re-reading and as you noted, letting the words wash over me.
I also love how you are backing a brother poet in their work. The admiration and respect you have for Jive’s writing is evident. Thank you for this recommendation!
When I read your words today I'm reminded of what a privileged (and willfully ignorant) position it is for some white people to ask out loud "why does it always have to be about race?" If we don't walk through the world as a Black person, we will never understand what it is to exist as Black. Yet with Black writers, poets, singers and artists like you Fred, Jive Poetic, Gil Scott-Heron, Nina Simone & so many others we can listen, learn and try to comprehend what it must feel like and what it must BE like. Then, we must tell other white folks to listen, learn and try to comprehend what it must be like to exist in this world in 2024. Because talking about your Black experience does matter. In order to dismantle systemic racism and eliminate ongoing oppression white allies need to be relentless in their commitment to share ALL the words, songs, experiences, joys, softness of artists like you Fred. Thank you so much for writing like you do.
“There's an unmistakable power in the way he lays bare his experiences, not as spectacles to be gawked at, but as roads to resilience and liberation.” Every poet’s dream I can imagine… Definitely adding this book to my TBR list.
Hope you know that for many, you’re already considered one of the greats!
This book sounds amazing! The one piece you shared had me reading and re-reading and as you noted, letting the words wash over me.
I also love how you are backing a brother poet in their work. The admiration and respect you have for Jive’s writing is evident. Thank you for this recommendation!
When I read your words today I'm reminded of what a privileged (and willfully ignorant) position it is for some white people to ask out loud "why does it always have to be about race?" If we don't walk through the world as a Black person, we will never understand what it is to exist as Black. Yet with Black writers, poets, singers and artists like you Fred, Jive Poetic, Gil Scott-Heron, Nina Simone & so many others we can listen, learn and try to comprehend what it must feel like and what it must BE like. Then, we must tell other white folks to listen, learn and try to comprehend what it must be like to exist in this world in 2024. Because talking about your Black experience does matter. In order to dismantle systemic racism and eliminate ongoing oppression white allies need to be relentless in their commitment to share ALL the words, songs, experiences, joys, softness of artists like you Fred. Thank you so much for writing like you do.
“There's an unmistakable power in the way he lays bare his experiences, not as spectacles to be gawked at, but as roads to resilience and liberation.” Every poet’s dream I can imagine… Definitely adding this book to my TBR list.
I'm waiting for his publisher to send the book. Maybe a jive interview?
A compelling review and moving narrative; thank you for the insight and recommendation.
I hope you continue to share what you are reading. 🙏
I’m still reading and still learning from you.