Mari Evans and Black Poetry After the Black Arts Movement

By Georgene Bess Montgomery

I have loved Mari Evans ever since I read her incredible poem “Who can be born Black and not sing the joy, the challenge of it? Who can be born Black and not EXULT?” So succinctly expressed, those lines captured the beauty, power, and magic of Blackness. For Mari Evans, a poet whose work epitomized both the Black Arts Movement and the Black Power Movement, I wanted to participate in the NEH “Black Poetry After the Black Arts Movement” to be immersed in poetry written by poets who perhaps were influenced by her work. 

The Seminar introduced me to more amazing poets whose brilliance and insightful examination took inside of Blackness to show us the beauty, the joy, the challenges of it, and told us to embrace it, to love it, and revel in it! I connected with scholars, some on a profound level like with my suitemate Tara Betts, whom I have invited to join via zoom a graduate class. I celebrate each time I see her on Facebook sharing another accomplishment—an invited lecture, a poetry reading, a new book of poetry. I teach the work of Tyehimba Jess and Evie Shockley. 

In so many ways, the Black Poetry After the Black Arts Movement profoundly influenced me, as a person, a scholar, and a writer. I am indeed thankful that I was selected to be a participant.

Related:

• Black Poetry After the Black Arts Movement: Reflections