Taught By Women: Poems as Resistance Language New and Selected

by Haki R. Madhubuti

Taught By Women, Poems as Resistance Language, New and Selected by Haki R. Madhubuti, marks a return to his roots. It is his first single-authored book of poetry in over nine years. In it, he pays homage to the many women who have influenced him and contributed to his unique worldview. Readers are urged not to forget various women who have nurtured, encouraged, challenged and strengthened us despite our sometimes dismal circumstances. Madhubuti asks that we remember these women, long distance runners, who give hope, optimism and courage to the next generation of children who need their strength, perseverance and quiet power. In these new and selected poems Madhubuti, formerly Don L. Lee, poet, publisher, editor, and activist, places us in lyrical proximity to a legacy of women whose lives he honors with heart warm verses and timeless reverence. Each poem is a vivid portraiture of the “magnificent energy” emanating from a rainbow of Black women. In this mosaic collection of poetry, Madhubuti celebrates the luminous spirits of women whose visible ‘greatness’ has left an indelible mark on his life’s work. In Taught By Women , Madhubuti sings their struggles and praises with pitch perfect precision, every note― an empowering song and unforgettable melody.

278 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2015

Reviews

[Julia P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like there must be some mistake. Although this book was recommended by a Black History Month reading list and published in 2015, there are no reviews of it on Goodreads. This was a good book. I thought this book was going to be an anthology of poems by the women listed on the cover, like Sonia Sanchez, and the author's personal connection to them. Instead, it was an anthology of poems and a couple of essays mainly praising a star-studded list of Black women authors, poets, politicians, activists, and even athletes. This is what it looks like to hold up female colleagues; Madhubuti praised so many female authors and poets that I need to develop a whole new TBR list. One of my favorites though was his poem about Simone Biles. He also wrote a great essay (?) at the back of the book about being an anti-rapist. That's the first I have heard of that term and I like it a lot. Sure, sure, you're a nice guy, but are you anti-rapist? It adds additional context for me of why being anti-racist is important. Sure, sure, you're not racist, but are you anti-racist?