To celebrate poetry for Black History Month, we’ve curated a selection of poems, by both debut and veteran poets, that showcase Black history, historical figures, and everyday people. We’ve also gathered a beautiful selection of upcoming and new poetry collections, including a new poetry anthology featuring poems from Jericho Brown, Tracy K. Smith, Warsan Shire, and more. For generations Black poets have used their verse for storytelling, for showing resistance, and for self expression. It is a canvas they use to capture the struggles, dreams, trials, and beauty of the Black experience. Poets of the past inspired cultural movements and challenged societal norms. Today Black poets continue the tradition by shaping the world of poetry and inspiring change in the world. This Black History Month, lets celebrate Black poets by reading their work, engaging with their stories, and learning about their cultural and historical impact on the world. Araminta, by Amanda Gunn Before General, before Moses or Harriet, she wascalled Minty. Araminta: a name of two roots.Arabella “yields to prayer”; Aminta “defends.”And, O, where ends the might of that arm? continue… Canary, by Rita Dove Billie Holiday’s burned voicehad as many shadows as lights,a mournful candelabra against a sleek piano,the