Honoring Black History Month

ONE OF OUR VERY OWN!

Join fellow poetry enthusiasts for a monthly reading by a featured local poet.

Henry L. Jones

Henry L. Jones is a poet, author, activist and artist who focuses on cultural and social issues. He blends life experiences and history to write about the Black experience using vivid images. Jones published Run into Blackness: Feeling My Poetic Gumbo, (Pneuma Publishing International, Inc.) which received praises in many media sources. This was his first commercial book. He has obtained awards, honors, and recognitions such as the Dr. Harriette Bias-Insignares Award for Poetry. Dr. Bias-Insignares is Nashville’s Poet Laureate/Ambassador of Letters. He collaborated with photographer Carlton Wilkinson in The African Male Museum Series, which won the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Individual Artist Fellowship (visual art). A concerned activist, Jones’ essay and poem were published in Houses of God, a gospel music CD release and book by the House of Blues Music Company & Platinum Entertainment. Various artists included: The Winans, Stevie Wonder, LA Mass Choir, The Temptations, Andrae Crouch Michael Brooks & The Nation, Cissy Houston, and others. This project raised nearly half million dollars to rebuild Southern churches attacked by racially motivated fires and bombs in the 1990’s. He recites his poetry often at cultural programs, festivals and literary events. Jones was the featured poet for the Southern Festival of Books (2010) debut stage of Chapter 16 (Humanities Tennessee), a new journal about books, writers and literary events in Tennessee. He has been a visiting poet at numerous colleges and taught ways to unleash creativity in workshops.


SEE DETAILS HERE:

http://www.scarrittbennett.org/event/poets-corner-featuring-henry-jones/

Date: February 26th
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Fondren Hall, 2nd Floor

 

Review--If I Could Hear God Laugh

If I could Hear God Laugh is a collection of inspirational poems by Prentiss Wilbur Gardley that I highly recommend.

The author's "range" is as impressive as Mariah Carey's! With more than 50 poems on an array of timely topics, there's something that will resonate with readers young and old.

Here's a sample of one of his pieces....

MAMA'S LITTLE MAN 

 

 

I remember how mama wanted to be in love

She wanted somebody to love her the same

And everytime it didn't work out

Somehow I thought I was to blame

 

Her strongest vice, til the end of her life

Was for someone to love her back

Mama wanted to be somebody's wife

Someone who knew how to act

 

She searched for love as if it were gold

She longed for someone to have and to hold

I watched her give every inch of her soul

From the days she was young

Till the time she grew old

 

It was I who held her when she cried

Wiped the tears from mama's eyes

Rub her back until she was sleep

Then go into my room and weep

 

See, I was mama's Little Man

I'd sit on her bed at night

While she would make her wedding plans

That never turned out right

 

I took care of my mama

Until I went astray

And the thought of that still haunts me

Each and every day

 

If only I would have stayed by her side

To comfort mama when she cried

Rub her back until she was sleep

Then go into my room and weep

 

 

(c) 2004 Prentiss Wilbur Gardley 

 

Join Poet & Playwright for Choose...!

Black Ensemble Theatre will present "CHOOSE"- a play written and created by Lillian E. Mitchum, as part of its summer Series on August 20, 2014-7:30 p.m..

Tickets are $15.00, $30.00 for the entire series.

At 4450 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL
Phone 773-769-4451

For more info, visit: WWW.Blackensemble.org/

20 Year Celebration a Huge Success!

The highly-anticipated, long awaited 2-day celebration honoring 20 years of artistic excellence and arts advocacy for Poets United, took place last week.

This well-attended event was fun for all; with the first day of activities held at the beautiful Beverly library. The day included an open mic segment, a tribute to Maya Angelou, selected readings by Baba Griot, a poetry trivia contest, a small awards ceremony, and a "spread" fit for royalty.

The following day, the group hosted their "hot," annual backyard barbeque referred to as "Poetry on da' Patio."
The weather was beautiful, the conversations stimulating, and the music...mellow.
It was an affair to remember!

If you missed it, you truly missed out.
A special thanks to all of those who supported this milestone achievement  through attendance or donations!
You made the difference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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