I Am Writing Poetry in Honor of How We Survive for Black Women's History Week

A mini-series in honor of Black women's history week

Black Women’s History Week is the period of time when Black History Month transitions into Women’s History Month come together. As the two months greet each other with a kiss, we celebrate the ways that Black women have formed this country through their deep love expressed through organizing and activism. Celebration and roses are due to Black women this week and always, for our global efforts towards liberation would be incomplete without the work they have done throughout the generations.

During this week I will be sharing one poem each day to honor Black women and their movements for dignity, safety, care, and the creation of an abolitionist reality. Most of these poems will be available to paid subscribers only.

---

I’m providing a 50% discount to the annual subscription for my substack from now until March 4th. That means the annual membership is only $35.

---

Today’s poem is an unrhymed quatern (4 stanzas with 4 lines each) called “Where the Orisha’s Bled” and is about how the middle passage brought the Isese spirituality to new shores. It is inspired by artist Harmonia Rosales’ gripping portrayal of Genesis through the reimagining of the Sistine Chapel.

“Ori” (2022) by Harmonia Rosales, oil on wood panel, 48 x 36 inches. Photo by Jeff McLane