Poets United to Advance the Arts Celebrates 20 Yrs. of Artistic Excellence!

Formed in 1994, as a community-based arts organization, Poets United will celebrate 20 years of providing programs and outreach services to the literary community, in June.
Founder, Jennifer Brown Banks, initially envisioned the group as a medium to cultivate interest in poetry as an art form, give poets the recognition deserved for their historical contributions, and provide a platform for emerging as well as established writers.

Decades later, the group has successfully hosted dozens of publishing workshops, networking events, poetry readings, book signings, contests, and open mic forums, on a monthly basis.
Though many of the events have been presented at the Beverly Library in Chicago, Poets United has performed extensively throughout Illinois; sharing their work on various "stages," including school-sponsored events, private parties, and senior citizens' nursing facilities.

Past performance venues include: Chicago State University, Harold Washington Library, Left-Bank BookStall, African American Images Bookstore, North Park University, Bagit Art Gallery, Roberto Clemente School, and Printer's Row Book Fair.

The talented group is comprised of writers of various levels and genres, and spans various professions.

MEMBERS INCLUDE:

Gail Merriwether, Retired Chicago Cop 
Jennifer Brown Banks, (founder)--Creative writing instructor
A.D. Moore,  Military veteran, author, speaker, and retired postal service worker
Mike Bowie, Dietician
Daryl Avery, Arts Activist

PAST MEMBERS:

Elaine Millsap-Parker
Bette Poisson
Henry Jones
Tonya Thornton
Clara Freeman
Rita Goens
Phyllis Williams-McBeth

The group's poems, articles and creative pieces have collectively been featured in local and national publications such as:

Today's Black Woman Magazine
Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Defender
Chicago Independent Bulletin
The Final Call
Mahogany Magazine

Additionally, they have published three anthologies to date.

A 20-yr celebration is slated to be held at the Beverly Library on 95th Street, In Chicago, on June 21, 2014 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

In Honor of National Veteran's Day

Poets United Wishes to take this opportunity to honor and remember the many members of the military service who fought, served, and died for our country.

To them we owe a debt that can never be repaid.
For individuals seeking to  learn more about this experience, or to better understand a loved one who has perhaps gone through this experience, we are also happy to announce the release of "Vignettes of Vietnam" by one of our very own* Writer, Author, and Poet, A.D. MOORE.

Stay tuned for more information regarding the book launching party for this compelling read.

A TRIBUTE TO GRANDPARENTS' DAY

Though it may not be promoted as commercially as other formal holidays, September 9th marks National Grandparents' Day. A time to honor those we hold near and dear. Our first-line "teachers" that gave us both "roots" and "wings"
It's very likely that no matter what your age or stage, you can fondly remember their lessons on life, as well as their legacy.

From care takers, to cookie bakers, to rule makers, they serve an important role; not just in the support that they provide our families, but also in our communities.
In Tribute, here's a poem I penned from the book, "Street Talk and Moore--Poetry for the People"


RAPPIN' GRANDMOTHER


Listen up all you kiddies
Come and gather 'round,
I'm your rappin grandma'
Now dig what I'm puttin' down!

You know your grandma loves you
In each and every way,
So take a little listen
To what the ol' girl has to say,
You know I'd never mislead you
I'd never steer you wrong,
All I ever want for you
Is to grow up healthy, happy and strong
To go to school everyday
And get a proper education,
To make knowledge your primary goal
And daily inspiration,
I want you to listen,
Listen very clearly
I only tell you this
Because I love you so dearly,
Always respect your mom and dad,
Be loving sweet and kind,
Be the best at whatever you do,
And satisfaction you will find.

Pick your friends very carefully,
Never just be a member of the crowd

Always follow your own mind
Whenever it's allowed

At every opportunity
Try to be alert, bright and fresher
Reject the gangs, the booze, the drugs,
The everyday peer pressure,
Study, learn and read
Try to shun material greed,
And when you're all grown up
Successful and on your way,
I'd like to think in some small part
It was because you stopped to listen
To what your rappin' granny had to say









(c) 2006 A.D. MOORE



























Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

In Honor of National Poetry Month...

The Poetry of Yasmin Morais Excerpted from "From Cane Field to the Sea"

A BOUNCED REALITY CHECK

(For Mama)

Slowly, ever so slowly

her once sharp wit and constant humor faded.

Days rolled into one. Memories were elusive

and friend became stranger.

Danger lurked in once harmless places.

Faces, before familiar, now unrecognized.

She fought to get a grip, to not let reality slip.

Yet the long trip on the roller coaster of mental torment refused to end.

Alzheimer's triumphed, enmeshing her in a prison of delusion

(c) 2011 Yasmin Morais

BLESSINGS

"God bless you my child", my grandma would say

for simple acts of love I'd do each day.

Combing her hair.

A drink of water.

Reading chapters of her favorite book.

All these elicited outpoured blessings, not fully understood

by my young mind.

Now the flowing bounties I see

confirm the legacy of my grandma's blessings

resting on me.

(c) 2011 Yasmin Morais

For more of her work, visit her blog at Poets of the Caribbean.

Ruthie Foster performing her song "Harder Than The Fall"

A SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VERY OWN---HENRY L. JONES!

I'm happy to report the new release of RUN INTO BLACKNESS: FEELING MY POETIC GUMBO by Henry L. Jones.

This must-read is published by Pneuma Publishing International, and is available online for your enjoyment.

Consider it "required reading" from a heavy dude and an awesome poet and writer!

You do us proud (Henry)! Much continued success...

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

JOIN POETS UNITED for 2 exciting upcoming events!

October 17--2:30-4:30--(in conjunction with the Beverly Library), will host Meet the Authors Day, featuring Chicago Writers Association.

November 21--2:30-4:30 Blogging for Writers--presented by Marcie Hill. Both forums will be held at the new Beverly Library at 1692 W. 95th Street.

Hope to see you there!