Five Black Poets You Should Be Following

Scrolling through your news feed can be hard these days. In this recurring series, we hope to provide a counter balance—voices of inspiration, hope, and joy. Here are some fast facts about five captivating Black poets who belong in your newsfeed.

1. Danez Smith

Hailing from Saint Paul, Minnesota, Danez Smith has received multiple awards for publications including [insert] boy, Don’t Call Us Dead, hands on ya knees, and black movie. Read more about their work here, and be sure to watch their performance of “Dinosaurs in the Hood” on YouTube!

2. Bettina Judd

Bettina Judd is a poet, writer, artist, and performer. Her work includes of audio and video art alongside her poetry. She most recent poetry project Patient, can be purchased here.

3. Hanif Willis-Abdurraquid

A poet and essayist from Columbus, Ohio, Hanif Willis-Abdurraquid’s work is often described as captivating and soulful. Read more about his work at his website abdurraqib.com or check out his most recent poetry collection, The Crown Ain’t Worth Much.

4. Aja Monet

in 2007, Aja Monet became the youngest Nuyorican Poets Café Grand Slam Champion at just 19. Monet is the author of two poetry compilations, The Black Unicorn and My Mother was a Freedom Fighter. 

4. Malcolm London

An internationally recognized Chicago poet, Malcolm London uses the platform he worked hard to obtain to fight head on issues surrounding social justice. London is a poet, educator, activist, playwright and performer. Listen to his work on Sound Cloud.