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Celebrate Black Poetry Day with amazing works of art from black poets! Read, write and share to recognize the beauty of their words.
Celebrate and honor the African American literary tradition on Black Poetry Day, October 17! This day is dedicated to not only honoring the works of prominent black poets, but also preserving and celebrating African American literature. Whether you're a poet yourself or simply love reading poetry, this is an excellent opportunity to delve into some amazing works by black authors.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1773</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First African American Poet Published</div><div class='timeline-text'>Phillis Wheatley became the first African American to publish a book of poetry, "Poems on Various Subjects Religious and Moral."</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Harlem Renaissance</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Harlem Renaissance, an intellectual and cultural revival, spawns a new generation of Black poets, including Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Gwendolyn Brooks's First Collection</div><div class='timeline-text'>Gwendolyn Brooks's first collection of poems, "A Street in Bronzeville," is published, marking the beginning of her acclaimed career.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Black Pulitzer Prize Winner</div><div class='timeline-text'>Gwendolyn Brooks becomes the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for her second book of poems, "Annie Allen."</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of Black Poetry Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The celebration of Black Poetry Day was established, honoring Jupiter Hammon, an enslaved African American who became one of the earliest published black poets in America.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Amanda Gorman's Inauguration Poem</div><div class='timeline-text'>Amanda Gorman becomes the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, reading her poem "The Hill We Climb" at Joe Biden's presidential inauguration.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read a black poet's work</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Whether it is Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, or Nikki Giovanni, take the time to appreciate their works and learn more about their lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write your own poetry</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get your pen and paper and create your own poem! Look up some of the greats for inspiration.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a live poetry reading</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find out if there are any local events taking place in your area to celebrate Black Poetry Day or just take a walk around town and see what you can find.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your favorite poem on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread the word about Black Poetry Day by sharing one of your favorite poems with your friends and family on social media.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a discussion group</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends together to talk about the impact of black poets on literature and society as a whole.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Black Poetry acknowledges the legacy of Black experiences</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In a world that often overlooks or minimizes the struggles and triumphs of African American history, black poetry serves as a powerful reminder that black voices, stories and perspectives have always been — and always will be — a vital part of our collective narrative.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Black Poetry celebrates amazing Black poets</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From Langston Hughes to Maya Angelou to particularly new writers like Imani Cezanne and Mahogany Browne, black poetry is important because it allows us to recognize and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of black writers. On National Black Poetry Day, we get to recognize these amazing artists and honor their work.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Black Poetry helps strengthen community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In addition to providing joyous moments of self reflection, black poetry has the power to create meaningful connections between people. By lifting up the stories of formerly marginalized voices, black poets can help unite communities by reminding us all of our shared experiences.</p></div></div>
Black Poetry Day is celebrated on October 17 every year. In 2024 Black Poetry Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Oct 17
Tuesday
2024
Oct 17
Thursday
2025
Oct 17
Friday
2026
Oct 17
Saturday
2027
Oct 17
Sunday
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