From time immemorial, Rwanda has been distinguished by skillful poets with rhythmic lyrical mastery and grace that was central in most entertainment and social scenes. In fact, the ancient kingdom of Rwanda had a substantial body of oral literature and the most acclaimed being ibisigo, a rich collection of royal poetry and Ibyivugo, self-praises and … Continue reading Rwanda: Blending Poetry With Pop Culture (via AllAfrica)
His powerful onstage performance just earned a 17-year-old from Virginia a national championship. Akhei Togun of Virginia Beach won the 11th annual Poetry Out Loud National Poetry Recitation Contest and its top prize of $20,000. He recited “Bereavement” by William Lisle Bowles in the final round on May 4 at George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium. … Continue reading Virginia Beach teen wins big at national poetry competition (via WTOP)
Juan Felipe Herrera’s Facebook page is public, and it is wonderful. On it Herrera, the U.S. poet laureate revered for the depth of his wisdom and precision of his observation, is just a guy. He splashes around the beach with his grandchildren. He mourns the death of his beloved dog. He documents his travels. He … Continue reading Nation’s first Latino poet laureate bringing inclusive style to Yakima (via Yakima Herald)
To soften the gusty blow of the so-called cruelest month, the Academy of American Poets decreed April National Poetry Month, a time to read and celebrate the written and spoken word, and to participate in various poetry-related activities. In 2012, for example, the organization asked for submissions from student-poets, some of whom had their work … Continue reading 12 Great Poetry Collections To Read During Every Month Of The Year (via Huffington Post)
At the bottom of the sea, just off the coast of Maryland, New York City subway cars have become a new habitat for coral and fish. Poet Shira Erlichman was spellbound when she read about the project: to dispose of old, broken-down subway cars by sinking them to the bottom of the ocean, providing a new surface … Continue reading How poetry helps us understand mental illness (via PBS)
Most key stage 2 teachers have pupils who balk at the prospect of writing a simple sentence, let alone an entire poem. But it doesn’t need to be overwhelming – lots of children love being creative with words, they just need a confidence boost. Here are 10 tried-and-tested techniques I’ve learned to help students get … Continue reading Reluctant writers? 10 top tips to help primary pupils write poetry (via The Guardian)
I interviewed Beyoncé many years ago. She carried herself like a woman twice her age. Her answers were rehearsed and she made direct eye contact for our entire interview. Destiny’s Child was about to perform their new song Bills, Bills, Bills about a woman who wants nothing to do with a man who can’t pay her bills. … Continue reading Why the Poetry in Lemonade Hits the Spot (via BET)
With the Center for African American Poetry and Poetics, Dawn Lundy Martin wants to make Pitt the place people go to study black poetry. “We want to help to really put that MFA program on the map so that if you’re a black poet, the very first place that you would apply to and your … Continue reading Black art matters: Pitt founds center on black poetry (via The Pitt News)
University of Miami. Sophomore Antonio Mercurius writes poetry, performs his work and holds workshops to help others master the art that allows him to express himself, relieve stress and be a part of an encouraging community. The health science major is the president of Speak What You Feel (SWYF), a club that brings together UM … Continue reading Poetry club to encourage personal expression (The Miami Hurricane)
April is National Poetry Month and to celebrate, a local organization focused on literature is bringing poetry to South Florida. At the famed Cuban restaurant, Versailles, people young and old gather for their coffee and pastelito. “Everyone comes here, they know it. It’s the heart of the city,” said Christina Ramos, from Yo Amo 305. … Continue reading O, Miami Spreads Poetry To The Most Unexpected Places (via CBS Miami)
