Poetry Feb 08 How poet Ariana Brown became the Afro-Latina role model she needed Growing up in San Antonio, Ariana Brown said she struggled to find other representations of herself -- an Afro-Latina woman from a working class family -- both in her community and literature. By Corinne Segal
Poetry Jan 18 The poem that led Missy Elliot to surprise a young fan with a visit What do you do when Missy Elliot shows up at your door? Poet Ashlee Haze found herself asking that earlier this month, after one of her poems caught Elliot’s attention. In “For Colored Girls (The Missy Elliot Poem),” Haze… By Corinne Segal
Poetry Dec 14 What gun violence looks like, in one powerful poem Gun violence "can't be solved with political correctness," poet Aziza Barnes says. By Corinne Segal
Poetry Nov 02 For poet Fatimah Asghar, the word ‘orphan’ has more than one meaning English needs to be broken, according to poet Fatimah Asghar. For Asghar, that goal is a reason to create spoken word poetry, using the language in new ways and to address stories at the margins, including her own. By Corinne Segal
Sep 07 When the people meant to protect us become our enemy By Corinne Segal Aja Monet's poem examines the "reckoning of power" in an interaction between her brother and the police. Continue reading
Jan 21 Watch In Honor of Obama Inauguration, Spoken Word Artist Conjures Power of ‘Change’ In Honor of Obama Inauguration, Spoken Word Artist Conjures Power of 'Change'… Continue watching
May 14 Watch White House Event Celebrates the Spoken Word The Obamas hosted a "Poetry Jam" Tuesday night at the White House. Rising stars in the arts world as well as established poets, writers, and musicians were invited. Following is an excerpt of the evening, with footage courtesy HBO. Continue watching
May 14 First Family Hosts ‘Poetry Jam’ at White House By Arts Desk On Tuesday, President Barack Obama and first lady Michele Obama welcomed actors, poets and writers to the East Room of the White House for a night of poetry readings and spoken word. Continue reading
Nov 19 Watch N.M. Spoken Word Club Explores Indian Identity, History Through verse, members of the Spoken Word Club at the Santa Fe Indian School articulate identities both modern and traditional, and maintain links to the past through native language and culture. Continue watching