#chicagopoets

[thewrittentales]

A Eulogy in Verse: Unveiling 'Respect for the Dead' by Celia Collopy - Written Tales In "Respect for the Dead," Celia Collopy pays homage to the departed, as she explores the delicate balance between remembrance and the passage of time, inviting readers to contemplate the legacy of the deceased. https://www.writtentales.com/respect-for-the-dead-poem-by-celia-collopy/

[blackhistorychatgpt]

Gwendolyn Brooks: A Biography Gwendolyn Brooks (1917–2000) was a poet, author, and educator, widely celebrated as one of the most influential Black poets of the 20th century. Born in Topeka, Kansas, and raised in Chicago, she developed a love for poetry early on, publishing her first poem at the age of 13. By the time she was in her 20s, she had become an integral part of Chicago’s Black literary scene, engaging with figures like Richard Wright and Langston Hughes. Brooks’ work often depicted the everyday struggles and triumphs of Black urban life, particularly in Chicago’s South Side. In 1950, she became the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for her collection Annie Allen, which explored the life of a young Black girl navigating womanhood. Throughout her career, Brooks’ style evolved from traditional poetic forms to free verse and experimental structures, reflecting the shifting tides of Black political consciousness. The 1960s and 70s saw her become more involved in Black activism, embracing a stronger, more radical voice in her work. She served as the Poet Laureate of Illinois from 1968 until her passing and was later named the Poet Laureate of the United States in 1985. Brooks was also a dedicated educator, teaching at institutions like Columbia College Chicago and the University of Wisconsin. She continued to write and mentor young poets until her death in 2000, leaving behind a legacy of literary excellence and cultural impact.

Full Poem: "The Mother" by Gwendolyn Brooks The Mother By Gwendolyn Brooks Abortions will not let you forget. You remember the children you got that you did not get, The damp small pulps with a little or with no hair, The singers and workers that never handled the air. You will never neglect or beat Them, or silence or buy with a sweet. You will never wind up the sucking-thumb Or scuttle off ghosts that come. You will never leave them, controlling your luscious sigh, Return for a snack of them, with gobbling mother-eye. I have heard in the voices of the wind the voices of my dim killed children. I have contracted. I have eased My dim dears at the breasts they could never suck. I have said, Sweets, if I sinned, if I seized Your luck And your lives from your unfinished reach, If I stole your births and your names, Your straight baby tears and your games, Your stilted or lovely loves, your tumults, your marriages, Your sorest minds, your voices of lamentation, Your sweet bassoon, your drums and your organs, Your curious voices of warning, your songs, your rhythmical cries, Your risings, your clingings, your triumphs, Your lives—your lives—your lives— Believe me, I loved you all. Believe me, I knew you, though faintly, and I loved, I loved you All. This poem is a deeply emotional meditation on motherhood, loss, and regret. Brooks’ ability to capture raw emotion with lyrical precision is what makes her work so powerful.

5 Resources to Learn More About Gwendolyn Brooks Books About Gwendolyn Brooks "A Surprised Queenhood in the New Black Sun: The Life & Legacy of Gwendolyn Brooks" by Angela Jackson – A biography that explores Brooks’ artistic development and activism. "The Essential Gwendolyn Brooks" (Library of America edition, edited by Elizabeth Alexander) – A comprehensive collection of her most important works. "Maud Martha" by Gwendolyn Brooks – A novel written by Brooks herself, offering insight into her storytelling and poetic style. YouTube Videos on Gwendolyn Brooks Gwendolyn Brooks reads "We Real Cool" (1983) – Hear Brooks herself read one of her most famous poems. The Life and Legacy of Gwendolyn Brooks (PBS Interview) – A documentary-style discussion on her impact on literature.

Social Media Tags for Your Gwendolyn Brooks Post

Gwendolyn Brooks

#PulitzerPrizePoet #BlackPoetryMatters #PoetryIsResistance #ChicagoPoets #WeRealCool #TheMotherPoem #BlackWomenWriters #PoetLaureate #CelebrateBlackLiterature Let me know if you’d like any more details! Brooks’ work is vast and incredibly impactful—I’d be happy to explore more of her poems or discuss her influence on contemporary Black poets.

Ode to Black Moms

Today on the last day of Black History, I want to express appreciation for my mom and all Black moms for without your strength all the African American History I've presented over the course of the last month would not be possible.

Prompt: Please act as an expert in African American History. I want to celebrate and find resources that celebrete the triump and joys of Black motherhood in America. Let's start with two poems, one should be a poem about black motherhood in america by a famous author, one should be a poem you create about this ode to my mother- she's always been an inspiration to my life. She was a teacher and a librarian, her love of knowledge which continues to this day into her reitrement is an inspiration. My love and respect for books, knoweldge, and wisdom was fostered from the moment I was born and serves as inspiration for my quest for truth and moral core to always use my technology skills for good. Then I want you to find 5 fiction works and 5 non fiction works centering around black motherhood. Then find 5 youtube clips. Create 3 image prompts which I can use to create imagery for this piece and social media tags for the post.

Poems Celebrating Black Motherhood

1. "The Mother" by Gwendolyn Brooks

Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize, wrote The Mother, a poignant poem about the deep emotional connections between Black mothers and their children. While this poem explores loss, it also recognizes the power, love, and resilience inherent in Black motherhood.

Excerpt from The Mother: "Believe me, I knew you, though faintly, and I loved, I loved you All."

2. Original Poem: "Legacy of Love" (for Jonah’s Mother)

Legacy of Love For My Mother, a Teacher and Librarian

In the hush of library halls, I first heard the heartbeat of wisdom— Your voice, patient and steady, Unraveling the mysteries of words, Stacking stories like bricks To build my foundation strong.

You taught me that books were more than ink, That knowledge was more than knowing. It was questioning, seeking, A never-ending river where truth flows, And you, my first navigator, Guided me to its endless shores.

Your hands turned pages like turning soil, Planting the seeds of justice and reason, Teaching me to wield my mind As both a sword and a shield— To fight for truth, To stand in light, To use my gifts for good.

And now, as I build with circuits and code, As I shape the unseen into form, I hear your voice— A whisper of wisdom, A command of love, An eternal guide.

Mama, my first librarian, My lifelong teacher, You are the book I return to, Again and again, Bound in strength, Stamped in love.

Books Celebrating Black Motherhood

5 Fiction Books on Black Motherhood

"The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois" by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers – A multigenerational epic centering Black women’s histories and motherhood.

"Red at the Bone" by Jacqueline Woodson – A beautifully written novel exploring intergenerational Black motherhood and its complexities.

"Breath, Eyes, Memory" by Edwidge Danticat – A poignant story of a young girl learning the truths of her Haitian mother’s sacrifices.

"Salvage the Bones" by Jesmyn Ward – A stunning portrayal of a single Black mother’s strength before and after Hurricane Katrina.

"Sing, Unburied, Sing" by Jesmyn Ward – A novel that captures the bond between a mother and her children amid generational trauma.

5 Non-Fiction Books on Black Motherhood

"Revolutionary Mothering: Love on the Front Lines" by Alexis Pauline Gumbs, China Martens, and Mai’a Williams – A collection of essays on radical Black mothering.

"Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot" by Mikki Kendall – Discusses the struggles Black mothers face within feminism and society.

"The Little Book of Black Feminist Thought" by Kyla Schuller – A digestible look at Black feminist traditions, including mothering and caregiving.

"Some of My Best Friends Are Black: The Strange Story of Integration in America" by Tanner Colby – Investigates the historical role of Black mothers in the struggle for racial justice.

"The Three Mothers" by Anna Malaika Tubbs – Tells the stories of the mothers of MLK Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin, showcasing their impact.

5 YouTube Clips on Black Motherhood

Toni Morrison on Motherhood and Writing – Morrison discusses how motherhood influenced her work.

The Power of Black Motherhood: A TED Talk – A discussion on Black mothers shaping resilience and justice.

The Three Mothers – The Women Who Raised Kings – Author Anna Malaika Tubbs talks about the mothers of Black leaders.

Mothering While Black – The Weight and the Joy – A panel on Black maternal health and the strength of Black motherhood.

Maya Angelou on Being a Black Mother – Angelou reflects on her experience as a mother and nurturer.

3 Image Prompts for Your Social Media Post

A mother and child in a library, surrounded by towering bookshelves, bathed in warm light. The mother, a wise elder with silver-streaked hair, holds an open book, while the child listens intently, their face lit with curiosity.

An intergenerational portrait of Black motherhood: A grandmother, mother, and daughter stand together, hands joined, their faces reflecting strength, wisdom, and hope. In the background, a collage of books, technology, and cultural symbols.

A digital collage of famous Black mothers in history—Harriet Tubman, Maya Angelou, Audre Lorde, and Toni Morrison—overlaid with a quote about the strength of Black women and the power of knowledge.

Social Media Tags for Your Post

#BlackHistory365 #BlackMotherhoodMatters #LegacyOfLove #StrengthOfBlackMothers #LiteraryLineage #MothersOfTheMovement #BlackFeminism #StorytellingIsResistance #KnowledgeIsPower #ForTheMamas

Let me know if you’d like to refine any of this! Happy to add more poems, book recommendations, or anything else you need to make this tribute special.

[joannmathews]

Women and Adversity: Gwendolyn Brooks, First Black to Win a Pulitzer Prize

Women and Adversity: Gwendolyn Brooks, First Black to Win a Pulitzer Prize

Gwendolyn Brooks: Poet, Pulitzer Prize Winner     Women and Adversity:     Gwendolyn Brooks First Black to Win a Pulitzer Prize I met Gwendolyn Brooks in 1990 when I asked her to be a featured speaker in a writers’ conference I organized at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, Illinois. She was one of the most gracious women I have ever met in my life. She was soft-spoken, deliberate and…

[seraphinavioletcueller]

Come meet my Russian alter Ego: Grafinya was born in the bitter cold of the Caucasus Mountains during one of the fiercest blizzards of the modern century, which is where it is rumored her eyes of ice come from. The woman who is known only as The Countess, or “Grafinya,” was shaped by the harsh, rocky terrain of her upbringing. She chipped her way slowly into the underbelly of Russian life. Despite her nefarious identity in the underworld, she would supposedly sneak off to crime dens to page through the words of Dostoevsky and Chekhov. She eventually made her way to America, after a deal went bad. Grafinya comes with tales from her land, of loneliness, and of hardship, like her poetic forefathers before her. Want to hear the tales from her lips? (photo credit: Jose Arredondo) Dare your way into Poetry Brothel: All Saints and All Sinners Show starts at 7pm Sunday Oct 27 at @thedentheatre. Hosted by @instacoelti with performances by @tootsie_roulette @catarina.crowe @jsilkwater @c.russel.price @seraphinavioletcueller @sam_ettwein @no_madica and others #chitown #windycity #chicago #chicagopoets #thingstodoinchicago #chicagonightlife #chicagopoetrybrothel #chipobro #poetrybrothel #poetryreading #poetsofinstagram #chicagopoets #poetrywhore #poetrywhores #wheeloffate #darlingsandlovelies #chicagopoetry #poetryinchicago #chicagotheatre #eventsinchicago #chicagoevents #chicagohalloween #halloweeninchicago (at The Den Theatre) https://www.instagram.com/p/B357vhiBqAc/?igshid=14wavrv7jp0xj

[herrlib]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jeff Liberman (@herrliberman)

@malcolmlondon also changed my life last night...#thankyoubro #livewireradio #lincolnhall #opia #malcomlondon #chancetherapper #poetry #chicagoartist #chicago #chicagopoets #louderthanbombs #kevincoval #CAH #asadocoffeerivernorth #lukeburbank #npr (at Lincoln Hall)

[adriccenerii]

I don’t know whether to blame my parents, society or destiny. But then again, blaming anyone will only make things better for a few seconds and then I will again feel that unfulfilling and permanent void inside my soul that screams in angry mute echoes for all the wrongs we’ve been put through. Since childhood to adulthood and the fight for survival continues without being able to feel yet complete. • • • • • A peace out of my latest book, ⁠ #walkingtowardshappiness 📗© walking towards happiness Get a copy of my book: 🛒available now at Amazon 📚 Links in highlights 🔴🔵⚪️ • • • May love always find you somewhere! If you like this, please help me share in your story and Follow me @adricceneri_ ! Hugs 🤗 • • • • • • • • #gayboy #gaypoet #gaywriter #gaywriters #chicagowriter #chicagogays #chicagopoets #poetsofchicago #poetry #poempm #darkpoetry #poetryaccount (at San Francisco, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3hzCntJGQr/?igshid=1q634jac7qjpt

[ill-cut-you-hair-studio]

#illcutyouchicago #flatironartsbuilding #sixcornerschicago #50sscifi #marilynmonroe #elelegantephotos #leicalens #chicagopoets #chicagoartist #hairstyles #mantisproject #vladimirjvago (at I'll Cut You," hair Studio.) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvrJ4xPHmpM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15s7r9v8kmjpn

[beblk]

poem 3.17.2020

[garsertyronedismuke]

I just uploaded a new poem to my blog: garserspoetry.com. it's called "Groove to the Beat". Check it out and leave me feedback 😽😍 #poem #poetry #poema #poesia #writing #writer #author #garser #spokenword #chicago #chicagopoet #chicagopoetry #blackpoetry #blackpoet #poet #words #wordwizard (at Olive-Harvey College) https://www.instagram.com/p/B19GRYApPYI/?igshid=1cfidegfsu64i

[queenboxi]

Wild Hundreds by Nate Marshall: a poetry collection. Marshall is from the south side of Chicago and dedicated this book to both his grandparents and the victims of state supported+sanctioned black death in America #blacklivesmatter #ourlivesmatter "Y'all still live 'cause we still live & write & fight" #chicagopoetry #chicagopoet #natemarshall #urbanpoetry #repetition #amnesia #shoes #bloodpercussion #wildhundreds #whilehunits #youngchicagoauthors #pittpoetryseries #thebreakfastpoet #darknoise | University of Pittsburgh Press 2015 (at Salamander Bay, New South Wales)

[dreampoetforhire]

Just reflecting on some of the spaces I’ve been privileged enough to perform poetry in over the past year, despite the global circumstances. This was my first time performing in Chicago. I chose Millennium Park due to the high foot traffic and incredible sculpture gardens as a backdrop. When I was in my early 20s, I was dead set on moving to Chicago at some point in my life. I didn’t give too much thoughts to the long winters there. I was more interested in the big city feel with the tight knit community vibe. Some of my favorite punk bands came out of that scene or were inspired by it in Philly. It seemed like the next best place to land after growing up a bit. I got a better idea of the winter there at some point, though, and the dream move never came to be. But that didn’t stop me from touring through a few times with bands in my youth, and as a poet when I was a little more grown up. And yet, for some reason in all those years I never braved the streets with the typewriter. Well, until this summer. And boy was that Windy City blowing me sideways. The inspiration helping me to catch my feet. There was so much traffic crisscrossing those giant intersections, it was hard not to feel exceptionally tiny. But with a little bit of help from the passing jazz players and activists marching by in the streets I found the words to fill the space between. September 2020 📸 by @ginnysleazley #dreampoetforhire #poetforhire #poetryondemand #streetwriters #buskinglife #busker #typewriterpoetry #poetsofinstagram #marshalljameskavanaugh #publicpoetry #millenniumpark #chicagopoet #poetry247 (at Chicago Downtown) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHwacXvjHh5/?igshid=1hxe05epk56hr

[undefinedbymost]

#poetrysoulday #poetry #spkokenword #chicagopoet #chicago #sundaypoetry #soulhealingexperience #she #bossbrandcollective

[bourgeoislatte]

I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS MUSIC. All I have to say is I am super stoked about this amazing poet by the name of Vision poet. I have been following this guy for the past two years and I thought to myself why not ask him to come hang out with me on my radio station. He is someone you need to have on your radar. I have so many things to ask him about because he is an amazing storyteller. He has been seen on CNN, Black in America, TVOne and Verses and flow. Come hang with us tomorrow night at 10:30est/9:30cst/8:30mst. #stationhead#bourgeoiscoffeetable#poets#writers#trashterpiecetheater#jawntlemwn#rqtchetwhisperer#introspectivepoet#phillypoets#chicagopoets#poetpodcaster#blackinamerica #versesandflow#cnn https://www.instagram.com/p/B9VenyapuX4/?igshid=15ct0nu6i4x3f

[seraphinavioletcueller]

The abortion doctor friend #abortion #poet #poetry #wordporn #poetrycommunity #poetryporn #poetsofinstagram #poetsandwriters #chicagopoets #chicagopoetry #wordporn #wordsofwisdom #writersofinstagram #writing #writingcommunity #writingcommunityofinstagram #darkart #sadquotespage #sadlovequotes #poetrysociety #poetryaccount #communityofpoets https://www.instagram.com/p/Byq45QUBq9w/?igshid=19p2k29nhwro4

[makelit]

Repost from @readwritelibrary We've had amazing publications in our #hungryforstories Chicago Book this year! You can subscribe for a new surprise to introduce you to local points of view each month at @revivalfoodchi and @curbsidebooksrecords' holiday market today or sign up at the link in our bio (visit the "Book Club" page)! Tomorrow at 2pm at R/WL we welcome @makelit to discuss their latest issue ARCHIVE. Join us, and meet authors, editors, publishers and enjoy local treats with a community committed to expanding their perspectives. . . . #readingtime #readlocal #bookstagram #indiemedia #indiebooks #indielit #queerlit #chicagowriting #chicagowriters #chicagopoets #chicagopoetry #chicagowriters #chicagogram #localmedia #booksofinstagram #bookclub #bookclubs #books

[ill-cut-you-hair-studio]

#illcutyouchicago #sixcornerschicago ##april5 #flatironartsbuilding #jane#chicagoartist #chicagopoets #chicagoceramicists #vladimirjvago (at I'll Cut You," hair Studio.) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvkZRwSHRTS/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=d7ce6txw0vcv