Revolutionary Poetics

Because poetry, by definition, is political, poets cannot (and should not) strive to be apolitical. This workshop allows us to develop our writing craft while engaging in revolutionary political education, specifically as it relates to the Black Power and Black Arts Movements. Over the course of four sessions, we will read, watch, and listen to poetry, speeches, essays and music from iconic revolutionaries in an effort to truly understand the role of a revolutionary, the role of the artist, and when, where and how these roles intersect. Expect to explore works from icons such as Assata Shakur, Gwendolyn Brooks, George Jackson and Kwame Ture, among others. We will also explore works by modern poets with revolutionary themes such as Tongo-Eisen Martin, Danez Smith, Safia Elhillo, Hanif Abdurraqib and others. This workshop will encourage writers to reflect on and articulate their own lived practices outside of their poetry practice. We will identify when and how those practices show up in our writing choices like word choice, themes, form, genre, etc. We will also use text, media, theory and discussion to inform and challenge our points of view and our understanding of how our political lifestyles impact how we show up as artists and, inevitably, how we show up as humans.

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.