We Be Walkin' Blackly in the Deep

by Thomas Kneeland, Timothy Hosford (Designer)

We Be Walkin' Blackly in the Deep , is a chapbook collection that begins the long journey of exploring all who sing blackly beneath the Atlantic Ocean. This chapbook collection begins to unearth and restore color to the white-washed notions about the dark and terrifying facets of American history.

60 pages, Paperback

Published May 4, 2023

About the author

Thomas Kneeland, MFA is a poet, educator, community leader, and visual artist. He is author of the chapbook, We Be Walkin’ Blackly in the Deep (Marian University Department of Media, Communication, and Design), and one of ten 2022 Frontier Poetry Global Poetry Prize finalists for the continent of Africa. He is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Elevation Review. His poetry is widely published in Up the Staircase Quarterly, South Florida Poetry Journal, INverse Poetry Archives, Rigorous Magazine, and elsewhere. Kneeland holds a BA in English from DePauw University, an MA in Ministry from Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University, and an MFA in Poetry from Butler University.

Reviews

[Maythazin Minthu]

I met Thomas while working the in the library, and I do not think a sweeter soul exists in this world. I was so honored to receive a copy of his book, and man was it a life changing kind of good. Thanks for being you, Thomas! We need more voices like yours in the world.

[Stephanie Wicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this collection was a truly reflective experience.

This heart-wrenching collection of Kneeland’s poetry is a masterful account of the pride Black people have in themselves and their ancestors and why fostering that pride is so important. Kneeland confronts systematic racism and anti-Black violence and holds no punches when calling out the injustices Black people currently face, and have faced throughout history.

To be frank, I cried. I cried a lot. This work forces an examination of grief that is both cathartic and hopeful. Kneeland strikingly recounts the turmoil and grief these crimes have caused. He so vividly paints the picture of the emotional weathering of our Black community and the hopefulness that one day, it will be different.

Don’t miss out on this beautiful talent!

[Susan L. L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Kneeland's WE BE WALKIN' BLACKLY IN THE DEEP (Marian University, Department of Media, Communication & Design) is a powerful collection that celebrates Blackness, moving through the pain of past and present with grace and tenacity to arrive at a more just future. Tender in protest, resilient in joy, and hopeful in community, these poems are rhythmic, spiritual, life-sustaining, and add to the rich tradition of poets working with clarity and profound care against systemic oppression. 10/10 recommend.