BOOKS
Poetic Justice:
Learning to Write Poetry Through the Black Experience
POETIC JUSTICE: Learning to Write Poetry Through the Black Experience is more than just a book! It is an opportunity--a fun, open space for creators and learners to explore poetry as well as learn about moments in Black history. As you engage with the contents of POETIC JUSTICE, remember that the information and sources included here are not exhaustive. Rather, they are meant to serve as foundation and prompts for learning and writing. Nevertheless, we want to encourage all to continue on the path of discovery. As you interact with POETIC JUSTICE you will find that it has everything: reading, writing, vocabulary, and history. It's also fun! There are puzzles, coloring pages, etc.
This poetry and writing workbook is special because it gave me the opportunity to work with my mom, someone who meant everything to me. I am so grateful to have had the chance to pick her brain about offering the world an avenue to do something we both love. In the process, what began as a children's book morphed into something more meaningful to us. As former educators, we’re both elated by the result and excited to offer a space for young adults—and seasoned learners—to create while exploring important moments in Black history, from the distant past to more recent events.
Unbagged
Poems by Erica Jones Massey
If we’re lucky enough or blessed enough, we get the chance to live another day. For some, this living comes with what I call “obstacle illusions.” Obstacle illusions are those things:opportunities, burdens, fears, etc. that seem a thousand feet tall when-in reality- they are not. We soon become aware that taking a moment to assess the situation, shifting, rethinking-getting out of our own paths-brings the realization that the one thousand feet that is actually two feet. That idea is nothing new, but that's what Unbagged was for me, an avenue that led to me getting out of my own way.These poems speak to the ups and downs in relationships, (“Seasonal Differences” and “Boy, Please”); motherhood, (“WARNING:...” and “Being Their Mom”); and loss (“For my Girl” and “1992/2007/2013”). To me, they are funny and sad, serious and whimsical. They’re true and false.
