Honoring the voices, rhythms, and words that have shaped culture, history, and the future through Black poetry.
Celebrating the Power of Words
Black Poetry Day is celebrated annually on October 17, marking the birthday of Jupiter Hammon (1711–c.1806), the first published African-American poet. This day pays tribute to the incredible legacy of Black poets past and present, who have used words as instruments of resistance, empowerment, and cultural expression.
From the spirituals and oral traditions that carried stories through hardship, to the Harlem Renaissance and modern hip-hop, Black poetry continues to define American culture and inspire the world. It’s a celebration of creativity, resilience, and truth—echoing through voices like Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Gwendolyn Brooks, Amiri Baraka, Audre Lorde, and countless contemporary writers keeping the rhythm alive.
Black Poetry Day is both a remembrance and a movement forward, calling us to listen, share, and honor words that speak to freedom, justice, and joy.
Vibes
Soulful, powerful, unapologetic—every line is survival, beauty, and revolution.
How to Celebrate
Read or share poetry by Black writers past and present
Attend local readings, open mics, or online spoken word performances
Support Black-owned bookstores and publishers
Write your own poem inspired by the themes of resilience, identity, or justice
Share your favorite lines or verses on social media to keep the voices alive
Pulse Check
If you could immortalize one emotion or experience in poetry, what would it be—and who would you want to read it?
Black poetry has always been a mirror and a megaphone: it reflects truth and amplifies voices that cannot be silenced.
Interesting Facts
Jupiter Hammon published his first poem in 1760, making him the first African-American poet in print.
The Harlem Renaissance (1920s–30s) was a golden era for Black poetry, with writers like Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen defining new cultural identities.
Poetry remains central to modern Black art through spoken word, slam competitions, and hip-hop lyricism, bridging literature and performance.
“Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave.” – Maya Angelou
“Poetry is not a luxury. It is a vital necessity of our existence.” – Audre Lorde
On October 17, 2025, Black Poetry Day is not only about history—it’s about legacy. Honor the past, amplify the present, and keep the rhythm alive for the future. Words change worlds, and Black poetry has always been proof.
