'Poetic Justice: Women, Power, Politics and the Black Arts Movement,' is an evening of social justice—infused poetry and spoken word performances, followed by a conversation with the award-winning author
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NC100BW) presents the 4th annual "Poetic Justice: Women, Power, Politics and the Black Arts Movement," honoring the acclaimed poet, scholar and social justice activist Dr. Sonia Sanchez. Created as a tribute to the late Dr. Maya Angelou, the celebration dedicated to the inspiring forces of power and protest, dedication and love will take place on Thursday, February 22 at the Brooklyn Museum.
Dr. Sonia Sanchez was the Laura Carnell Professor of English and Women's Studies at Temple University. She is known for her innovative melding of musical formats - such as the blues—and traditional poetic formats like haiku and tanka.
In addition to her poetry, Sanchez began writing plays in the 1960s, often challenging the masculinist spirit of the movement by focusing on strong female protagonists. She has been recognized as a pioneering champion of Black feminism. One of the most important writers of the Black Arts Movement, Sanchez is the author of sixteen books. She is the recipient of both the Robert Frost Medal for distinguished lifetime service to American poetry and the Langston Hughes Poetry Award.
The program will begin with African drumming and dancing, paying tribute to the #MeToo and Black Arts Movements. Sanchez will perform along with poets Toni Blackmon and Phyastarter, followed by a conversation with the award-winning author. The evening's readings include selections from Sanchez's poetry, including Does Your House Have Lions, nominated for the NAACP Image and National Book Critics Circle Award; Wounded in the House of A Friend; and Homegirls and Handgrenades, winner of an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation.
In recognition of a lifetime of protest through poetry, the NC100BW will honor Dr. Sanchez by launching a Black Girls Arts Movement Scholarship for young students pursuing their talent in the spoken and written art forms in her name.
Poetic Justice: Women, Power, Politics and the Black Arts Movement
When: Thursday, February 22, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Tickets are $25 and include Museum admission.
Where: Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Auditorium at the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238
