EXPLORING THE PAGES OF THE BLACK POETRY SOCIETY


VISIONS OF A SKYLARK DRESSED IN BLACK, written by American author Aberjhani and slated for an Ocober 2006 publication by Great Britain's Black Poetry Society, exemplifies the international spirit of the first Harlem Renaissance.


Aside from periodicals devoted to the exploration of African-American culture, one of the key elements to the success of the first Harlem Renaissance, from the 1920s to the 1940s, was the establishment numerous literary clubs and organizations described as salons. Modern-day equivalents to, and extensions of, the salons of yesteryear can often be found in the form of online Internet literary communities, of which the BLACK POETRY SOCIETY is one thriving example.

The Black Poetry Society started in London in 2003 when four avid readers and aspiring writers began meeting to discuss the works of favorite poets as well as share their own original writings. The initial pioneers of the organization were the poet known as Jayci, who would launch the group’s web site in June 2005, Michael Brown, Nile Grevious, and Lena Nian.

In February 2006, the Society included on its web site two poems by Aberjhani, author of I MADE MY BOY OUT OF POETRY and co-author of ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE. Both poems, “Remembrance of a River Past,” and “Every Hour Henceforth,” blend themes of history and love, which are those most commonly associated with the month of February in the United States.

“These specific poems are particularly suitable for the Black Poetry Society’s pages because the Society itself is reminiscent of the Negritude Movement that launched in Europe during the Harlem Renaissance and these poems reflect that movement’s goals and values. They embody a deep awareness of the rich legacies of the African Diaspora while also promoting humanitarian values essential to the progress of all people.”

The Black Poetry Society regularly features literary talents from all over the globe and boasts a growing mailing list of some 500 subscribers. For more information on the Society or to enjoy its featured works, please visit the site at http://www.blackpoetrysociety.com.


© Aberjhani

Comments

Anonymous said…
Lovely work you have posted at BPS. I hope you and your readers will find the time to read and also appreciate "Hurricanes of Roosting Birds," a retrospective poem written for the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Glad that you continue.
N.
1:08 AM
Ms. Adams said…
...As for me, I continue to recall Katrina as both the drowning of New Orleans the queen, whore, and American heart, and the resurrection of reality for the starry-eyed, enlightenment for those sleeping, and perhaps hope that we will work for love in the future.
1:28 AM
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