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Black Oak: Odes Celebrating Powerful Black Men
As he did for Black women in Black Roses , Harold Green III, poet and founder of the music collective Flowers for the Living, now honors the Black men he most admires--groundbreakers including Tyler Perry, Barry Jenkins, Billy Porter, Chance the Rapper, LeBron James, Colin Kaepernick, and John Legend--and celebrates their achievements which are transforming lives and making history. Black men are changing society and the world through mastery, innovation, and inspiration at a pace never seen before. In awe of the myriad ways in which Black men are using their vision and power to remake culture and society, spoken word artist Harold Green began writing odes recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments of a series of Black men, which he shared on his Instagram account--tributes that went viral and became a social media sensation. Black Oak brings together many of these popular odes with original works written for this collection. Divided into five sections--bravehearts, champions, dreamers, guardians, and humanitarians-- Black Oak features iconic men who are spearheading movements, fighting for equality, challenging the status quo, embracing fatherhood, providing a transformative model of masculinity for our children, inspiring a new generation of creators, and more. Through these beautifully written verses, Harold does not simply place the Black men in this book on a pedestal, he transcends even the most positive stereotypes to view these men and their accomplishments in a new light, and creates meaningful connections between these beloved figures and the lives and experiences of readers of all backgrounds. Black Oak includes odes to Barry Jenkins, Big K.R.I.T, Billy Porter, Black Thought, Chance the Rapper, Charles Booker, Colin Kaepernick, Dwyane Wade, Edmund Graham III, Eric Hale, Excell Hardy Jr., Harold Green III, Harold Green Jr., Harold Green Sr., Hebru Brantley, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Jamaal Bowman, Jason Reynolds, Jericho Brown, John Legend, Kehinde Wiley, Kerry James Marshall, Kevin Fredricks, Killer Mike, Kyler Broadus, LeBron James, Mahershala Ali, Marc Lamont Hill, Matthew Cherry, Orlando Cooper, Pharrell, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Rev. Dr. William Barber II, Ryan Coogler, Swizz Beatz, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Theaster Gates, Tobe Nwigwe, Tristan Walker, and Tyler Perry. The audiobook edition of Black Oak also includes an exclusive interview between Green, his father, and grandfather about the making of the collection.
- GenresPoetryNonfiction
1 pages, Audio CD
Published May 31, 2022
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224 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 13, 2023
A follow up to his first book Black Roses: Odes Celebrating Powerful Black Women. It contains poems about 40 notable Black men. I really enjoyed "Colin's Proposal" Ode to Colin Kaepernick; "An Act of Discipline" Ode to Mahershala Ali, and "By the Grace of Gates" Ode to Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. The author has a powerful Acknowledgment page at the end.
June 23, 2022
Artist and storyteller Harold Green III lauds forty Black men in his recent poetry collection 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗢𝗮𝗸 that are changing the world in impactful ways. Green realized in his young life how significant Black men could affect his future steps and inspire his life choices—both immediate Black men like his family and icons. Green’s grandfather instilled in him the importance of community: “community will take care of you if you take care of it.” Inside of that community, Green became aware of the inherent friendships Black men could foster, too. Green points out, “I learned very early how critical friendships are for Black men to not only survive I’ve but to feel understood as well.” 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗢𝗮𝗸 is a collection that speaks to a language of Black men that comfortable affirming one another.
The odes to the 40 Black men here are uniquely crafted to each individual person with specific cultural references, personal anecdotes, and familial elements. While some of the poems are extremely simple in nature, some of them are extremely astute. For example, I really enjoyed these poems:
* The Book of Marc
* King James Version
* Jason in the Middle
* John’s Lesson
* The Case for Ta-Nehisi Coates
Out of the 40 men, I didn’t recognize 15 of the men, but now I am aware of their story and their vision to impact the world. I believe all of these men are in great company.
I love a good metaphor and want to add how the oak tree is associated with symbols of honor, power, strength, nobility, and wisdom. Green said he wanted to be a Black Oak. I believe he is and he’s making room through his art and actions to show other Black boys and men how to grown into strong Black Oaks. Lydia Scott, director of the Chicago Regional Trees Initiative, explains, “oak trees are one of our regions most important native tree species, supporting entire ecosystems—many that are under severe threat” (naturesperspective.com). With Green’s uplifting and encouraging words and affirmation, he will have a strong forest of Black Oaks in Chicago.
The odes to the 40 Black men here are uniquely crafted to each individual person with specific cultural references, personal anecdotes, and familial elements. While some of the poems are extremely simple in nature, some of them are extremely astute. For example, I really enjoyed these poems:
* The Book of Marc
* King James Version
* Jason in the Middle
* John’s Lesson
* The Case for Ta-Nehisi Coates
Out of the 40 men, I didn’t recognize 15 of the men, but now I am aware of their story and their vision to impact the world. I believe all of these men are in great company.
I love a good metaphor and want to add how the oak tree is associated with symbols of honor, power, strength, nobility, and wisdom. Green said he wanted to be a Black Oak. I believe he is and he’s making room through his art and actions to show other Black boys and men how to grown into strong Black Oaks. Lydia Scott, director of the Chicago Regional Trees Initiative, explains, “oak trees are one of our regions most important native tree species, supporting entire ecosystems—many that are under severe threat” (naturesperspective.com). With Green’s uplifting and encouraging words and affirmation, he will have a strong forest of Black Oaks in Chicago.
July 26, 2022
black men deserve to feel seen and loved, too. Thoroughly enjoyed this companion piece to black roses ✊🏾🖤🌟
July 24, 2022
Black Oak: Odes Celebrating Powerful Black Men
by Harold Green III
Published May 31st 2022
Stephen Curry UNDERRATED #BCP
<3 I LOVED THIS WRITTEN AND READ IN SPOKEN WORD ARTFORM <3
As he did for Black women in Black Roses, Harold Green III, poet and founder of the music collective Flowers for the Living, now honors the Black men he most admires—groundbreakers including Tyler Perry, Barry Jenkins, Billy Porter, Chance the Rapper, LeBron James, Colin Kaepernick, and John Legend—and celebrates their achievements which are transforming lives and making history.
Black men are changing society and the world through mastery, innovation, and inspiration at a pace never seen before. In awe of the myriad ways in which Black men are using their vision and power to remake culture and society, spoken word artist Harold Green began writing odes recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments of a series of Black men, which he shared on his Instagram account—tributes that went viral and became a social media sensation. Black Oak brings together many of these popular odes with original works written for this collection.
Divided into five sections—bravehearts, champions, dreamers, guardians, and humanitarians—Black Oak features iconic men who are spearheading movements, fighting for equality, challenging the status quo, embracing fatherhood, providing a transformative model of masculinity for our children, inspiring a new generation of creators, and more. Through these beautifully written verses, Harold does not simply place the Black men in this book on a pedestal, he transcends even the most positive stereotypes to view these men and their accomplishments in a new light, and creates meaningful connections between these beloved figures and the lives and experiences of readers of all backgrounds.
Black Oak includes odes to Barry Jenkins, Big K.R.I.T, Billy Porter, Black Thought, Chance the Rapper, Charles Booker, Colin Kaepernick, Dwyane Wade, Edmund Graham III, Eric Hale, Excell Hardy Jr., Harold Green III, Harold Green Jr., Harold Green Sr., Hebru Brantley, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Jamaal Bowman, Jason Reynolds, Jericho Brown, John Legend, Kehinde Wiley, Kerry James Marshall, Kevin Fredricks, Killer Mike, Kyler Broadus, LeBron James, Mahershala Ali, Marc Lamont Hill, Matthew Cherry, Orlando Cooper, Pharrell, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Rev. Dr. William Barber II, Ryan Coogler, Swizz Beatz, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Theaster Gates, Tobe Nwigwe, Tristan Walker, and Tyler Perry.
The audiobook edition of Black Oak also includes an exclusive interview between Green, his father, and grandfather about the making of the collection.
by Harold Green III
Published May 31st 2022
Stephen Curry UNDERRATED #BCP
<3 I LOVED THIS WRITTEN AND READ IN SPOKEN WORD ARTFORM <3
As he did for Black women in Black Roses, Harold Green III, poet and founder of the music collective Flowers for the Living, now honors the Black men he most admires—groundbreakers including Tyler Perry, Barry Jenkins, Billy Porter, Chance the Rapper, LeBron James, Colin Kaepernick, and John Legend—and celebrates their achievements which are transforming lives and making history.
Black men are changing society and the world through mastery, innovation, and inspiration at a pace never seen before. In awe of the myriad ways in which Black men are using their vision and power to remake culture and society, spoken word artist Harold Green began writing odes recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments of a series of Black men, which he shared on his Instagram account—tributes that went viral and became a social media sensation. Black Oak brings together many of these popular odes with original works written for this collection.
Divided into five sections—bravehearts, champions, dreamers, guardians, and humanitarians—Black Oak features iconic men who are spearheading movements, fighting for equality, challenging the status quo, embracing fatherhood, providing a transformative model of masculinity for our children, inspiring a new generation of creators, and more. Through these beautifully written verses, Harold does not simply place the Black men in this book on a pedestal, he transcends even the most positive stereotypes to view these men and their accomplishments in a new light, and creates meaningful connections between these beloved figures and the lives and experiences of readers of all backgrounds.
Black Oak includes odes to Barry Jenkins, Big K.R.I.T, Billy Porter, Black Thought, Chance the Rapper, Charles Booker, Colin Kaepernick, Dwyane Wade, Edmund Graham III, Eric Hale, Excell Hardy Jr., Harold Green III, Harold Green Jr., Harold Green Sr., Hebru Brantley, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Jamaal Bowman, Jason Reynolds, Jericho Brown, John Legend, Kehinde Wiley, Kerry James Marshall, Kevin Fredricks, Killer Mike, Kyler Broadus, LeBron James, Mahershala Ali, Marc Lamont Hill, Matthew Cherry, Orlando Cooper, Pharrell, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Rev. Dr. William Barber II, Ryan Coogler, Swizz Beatz, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Theaster Gates, Tobe Nwigwe, Tristan Walker, and Tyler Perry.
The audiobook edition of Black Oak also includes an exclusive interview between Green, his father, and grandfather about the making of the collection.
February 18, 2025
would have been better if i knew the people
June 20, 2022
A fantastic book of Odes it gave me a lot to research and shows the multitude of ways we can measure "success". It's also nice to here about so many heroic black men. Who aren't like... dead.
October 9, 2022
Finger snaps
I love this display of giving flowers to Black Men. The words are intended to uplift and shower Love; mission accomplished.
I love this display of giving flowers to Black Men. The words are intended to uplift and shower Love; mission accomplished.
June 10, 2022
Beautiful, just beautiful!
June 6, 2022
I’m not really one to read poetry, but I loved this collection. I want to learn more about many of these extraordinary men.
January 22, 2023
Surrounded by a cadre of exceptional men, the poet Harold Green III was inspired to share Black Oak not only as an expression of love and admiration but as primarily a call to action to further inform and inspire.
Included in these odes celebrating powerful black men are Jericho Brown, the poet; Jason Reynolds (whose image appears on the cover), the author, and Ta-Nehisi Coates; whom Green classifies as “writer.”
Green III also delineates by section: Where Brown may appear in the section titled “Champions,” Reynolds is classified in “Dreamers,” and Coates, “Humanitarians.”
There are the known including Black Thought (Brave Hearts), Lebron (Champions), Swizz Beatz (Guardians), Tyler Perry (Dreamers), Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (Humanitarians), and the relatively lesser known such as the Visual Artists Hebru Brantley (Dreamers), and Kerry James Marshall (Brave Hearts).
Green III states he wrote Black Oak because he wanted to “expand on the language that Black men use to speak to and about each other.”
“One of the most important lessons I learned from the men closest to me is the value of friendship … I learned very early how critical friendships are for Black men to not only survive but to feel understood as well.”
“… how to be comfortable affirming other Black men and how imperative it is to cheer each other on when we are pushing the narrative forward.
Black Oak was ‘mentally conceived’ shortly after he wrote Black Roses: Odes Celebrating Powerful Black Women, because Green III sought ‘balance,” and knew both would be equally inspiring.
Jericho is sonnet and soliloquy|He has created these confines|Just to make good use|of how dense this life can be – from ‘The Walls of Jericho.’
From ‘Jason in the Middle’: Molding the minds|of those in the middle|To carve out space for them|with intention.
To Colin, who ran toward purpose with intention and urgency – with clarity.
And haven’t we seen this before?|Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf|Craig Hodges|John Carlos|Tommie Smith
That list too Black for me|As if, when you Black|you can’t believe|that your amendments shouldn’t have amendments.
I did not have to read this book.
I had to read this book.
Included in these odes celebrating powerful black men are Jericho Brown, the poet; Jason Reynolds (whose image appears on the cover), the author, and Ta-Nehisi Coates; whom Green classifies as “writer.”
Green III also delineates by section: Where Brown may appear in the section titled “Champions,” Reynolds is classified in “Dreamers,” and Coates, “Humanitarians.”
There are the known including Black Thought (Brave Hearts), Lebron (Champions), Swizz Beatz (Guardians), Tyler Perry (Dreamers), Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (Humanitarians), and the relatively lesser known such as the Visual Artists Hebru Brantley (Dreamers), and Kerry James Marshall (Brave Hearts).
Green III states he wrote Black Oak because he wanted to “expand on the language that Black men use to speak to and about each other.”
“One of the most important lessons I learned from the men closest to me is the value of friendship … I learned very early how critical friendships are for Black men to not only survive but to feel understood as well.”
“… how to be comfortable affirming other Black men and how imperative it is to cheer each other on when we are pushing the narrative forward.
Black Oak was ‘mentally conceived’ shortly after he wrote Black Roses: Odes Celebrating Powerful Black Women, because Green III sought ‘balance,” and knew both would be equally inspiring.
Jericho is sonnet and soliloquy|He has created these confines|Just to make good use|of how dense this life can be – from ‘The Walls of Jericho.’
From ‘Jason in the Middle’: Molding the minds|of those in the middle|To carve out space for them|with intention.
To Colin, who ran toward purpose with intention and urgency – with clarity.
And haven’t we seen this before?|Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf|Craig Hodges|John Carlos|Tommie Smith
That list too Black for me|As if, when you Black|you can’t believe|that your amendments shouldn’t have amendments.
I did not have to read this book.
I had to read this book.
August 13, 2022
The black oak is a strong and mighty tree that possesses great inner and outer beauty, much like the subjects Harold Green III writes about in Black Oak: Odes Celebrating Powerful Black Men. As an artist, storyteller, and poet, Green has composed forty odes to influential Black male role models. These individuals include athletes, performers, artists, writers, teachers, pastors, and others who have excelled in their chosen fields and are revered in the community. Most of the world already knows Lebron James, Colin Kaepernick, Billy Porter, and John Legend, but Green also immortalizes other powerful Black men, including his father and grandfather. Each ode is accompanied by an illustration by painter and activist Melissa Koby.
As a white male reviewer, I was deeply inspired and touched by the collection of poems dedicated to Black excellence. It was humbling to learn more about these heroes. It is obvious that Green loved and looked up to each of his subjects. The poet has a way with expressing his adulation, echoing our collective sentiments about Black men who bring people together through their talent and craft. The faceless illustrations, just like each work, encourage the reader to look past the surface and find themselves in each piece. This is a wonderful celebration of brave-hearted leaders, champions, dreamers, guardians, and humanitarians.
This review was originally published at https://portlandbookreview.com/produc...
As a white male reviewer, I was deeply inspired and touched by the collection of poems dedicated to Black excellence. It was humbling to learn more about these heroes. It is obvious that Green loved and looked up to each of his subjects. The poet has a way with expressing his adulation, echoing our collective sentiments about Black men who bring people together through their talent and craft. The faceless illustrations, just like each work, encourage the reader to look past the surface and find themselves in each piece. This is a wonderful celebration of brave-hearted leaders, champions, dreamers, guardians, and humanitarians.
This review was originally published at https://portlandbookreview.com/produc...
July 13, 2022
I’ve never been much of a poetry fan, but I really enjoyed this book.
I have pretty much stopped writing actual reviews. Instead, I have started just including this explanation of how I assign stars to the books I read:
*****5 Stars - A book I didn’t want to end, will be thinking about for a long time to come, and may read again if I live long enough (so many books….so little time….)
****4 Stars - A book I enjoyed but didn’t find amazing, or which may have room for improvements in the way of writing style, proofreading, references, etc. Most books I rate receive four stars because if they aren’t worth that many I probably wouldn’t have finished them (but see explanations for three and two stars, below…), and very few of them are outstanding enough for five stars. Basically, a four-star book for me is quite good, but not spellbinding, and I probably will not read it again.
***3 Stars - Many flaws, usually in writing style, which made reading the book a struggle, but the story or subject matter were worth the effort.
**2 Stars - I have no idea why I finished it; it must have been the mere challenge of it that kept me going, or somehow I kept hoping it would get better. I should know better than this by now.
*1 Star - I don’t give books just one star. If they’re that bad I don’t finish them, and instead of rating them they go on my “just-couldn’t-finish-it” shelf.
I have pretty much stopped writing actual reviews. Instead, I have started just including this explanation of how I assign stars to the books I read:
*****5 Stars - A book I didn’t want to end, will be thinking about for a long time to come, and may read again if I live long enough (so many books….so little time….)
****4 Stars - A book I enjoyed but didn’t find amazing, or which may have room for improvements in the way of writing style, proofreading, references, etc. Most books I rate receive four stars because if they aren’t worth that many I probably wouldn’t have finished them (but see explanations for three and two stars, below…), and very few of them are outstanding enough for five stars. Basically, a four-star book for me is quite good, but not spellbinding, and I probably will not read it again.
***3 Stars - Many flaws, usually in writing style, which made reading the book a struggle, but the story or subject matter were worth the effort.
**2 Stars - I have no idea why I finished it; it must have been the mere challenge of it that kept me going, or somehow I kept hoping it would get better. I should know better than this by now.
*1 Star - I don’t give books just one star. If they’re that bad I don’t finish them, and instead of rating them they go on my “just-couldn’t-finish-it” shelf.
June 27, 2022
Harold Greens’ award-winning artistry connects poetic prose and original artworks in his poetry compilation, Black Oak. Green employs communication as an artform, providing an essential bridge by unifying and exalting Black men through their poignant stories of dedication towards improving the many stratospheres of life.
Black Oak epitomizes forty influential male athletes, actors, artists, and activists connecting their stories along with passion and dedication to the lives they have served and impacted. Green honor’s Black identity, past, present, and future, through his original poetry and illustrations contributed by Melissa Koby. Black Oak signifies what it means to thrive within an environment that values friendship, love, and community dedicated to inspiring Black life and the world around us.
Black Oak is Green’s third collection of poetry. Black Roses was published in 2022 and “From Englewood, with Love” was self-published in 2014.
Black Oak epitomizes forty influential male athletes, actors, artists, and activists connecting their stories along with passion and dedication to the lives they have served and impacted. Green honor’s Black identity, past, present, and future, through his original poetry and illustrations contributed by Melissa Koby. Black Oak signifies what it means to thrive within an environment that values friendship, love, and community dedicated to inspiring Black life and the world around us.
Black Oak is Green’s third collection of poetry. Black Roses was published in 2022 and “From Englewood, with Love” was self-published in 2014.
April 16, 2023
Magical
As someone that sees Black men as poetry in motion, I just had to add this book to my collection. These beautiful pieces honoring Black men were so touching. So well deserved. I especially loved the poem to LeBron James. The father; not the athlete. It was so nice to see him honored for his impact outside of the basketball arena. While I knew most of the men featured, I enjoyed learning about a few powerful Black men that I hadn’t heard of before. This was such a creative and refreshing project. Black men deserve to be uplifted and celebrated in this way.
As someone that sees Black men as poetry in motion, I just had to add this book to my collection. These beautiful pieces honoring Black men were so touching. So well deserved. I especially loved the poem to LeBron James. The father; not the athlete. It was so nice to see him honored for his impact outside of the basketball arena. While I knew most of the men featured, I enjoyed learning about a few powerful Black men that I hadn’t heard of before. This was such a creative and refreshing project. Black men deserve to be uplifted and celebrated in this way.
October 16, 2022
This set of odes celebrating Black men is a wonderful companion/follow-up to Black Roses: Odes Celebrating Powerful Black Women. I learned things I didn't know about men I've heard of and learned about amazing Black men I'd never heard of. Highly recommend giving both of these books a read.
September 14, 2025
“You demonstrate
what proper pride looks like.
When you have enough for yourself,
It spills over into others.”
I’ve long savored this collection of poetic tributes to Black men who create, give, and build up their communities and families (and the companion collection — Black Roses — about Black women). I love the acknowledgements at the end that encourage passing the book on to others, “it is a baton”
what proper pride looks like.
When you have enough for yourself,
It spills over into others.”
I’ve long savored this collection of poetic tributes to Black men who create, give, and build up their communities and families (and the companion collection — Black Roses — about Black women). I love the acknowledgements at the end that encourage passing the book on to others, “it is a baton”
August 13, 2022
The entire purpose and mission of this book is beautiful. I respect the author’s intentions and appreciate the poems honoring these men who exemplify the qualities the author is celebrating in community. Uplifting others is so great, and this was a cute and inspiring way to do it, centering black men who are often under appreciated.
December 2, 2022
i really liked how much of this was the poet getting to recognize his real life childhood heroes in a big way. and he chose to celebrate those heroes for their offspring by name. a reminder that there are always family members out there watching you, blood or not. be an example for future generations. ♥️
June 2, 2022
I will admit to needing to learn more about several of the men in this book. 2 poems deserve 5 star (odes to his father and grandfather), which are so beautifully written, I felt as if I almost knew them. The love and respect was palpable.
October 11, 2022
Poetry is always a mix of the poet and your own experiences that you bring with you when you began a poem or poetry book, and sometimes you can connect with them and sometimes the word are just powerful enough to move you. I loved "Colin's Proposal", "Tobe's Sabbath", and "Jason in the Middle".
January 9, 2023
A collection of poems about amazing black men. I read it slowly mostly because I didn't know half of the men covered in the book and so I read up on their stories so I could better appreciate the poems.
December 22, 2023
What a beautiful book. My first book that uplifts men.
Here are some of my favorite lines
"He does not find strength in singularity, in order to improve our stride he knows we must move forward together"
"we are at our greatest in solidarity"
"we can get further as water than rocks"
Here are some of my favorite lines
"He does not find strength in singularity, in order to improve our stride he knows we must move forward together"
"we are at our greatest in solidarity"
"we can get further as water than rocks"
June 29, 2022
[Literati - Stephen Curry's June 2022 selection]
July 8, 2022
Flawless and powerful. A must read for every black man who wants to be a black oak.
July 27, 2022
Collection of poems about significant black men. I must admit I didn't know who a lot of these people were. Lots of research as I read to contextualize the writing.
December 27, 2022
Ugh I listened to the audiobook and I wanted it to keep going
April 19, 2023
Lovely Odes to an incredible array of Black men with absolutely gorgeous illustrations. Thought-provoking and enlightening. Recommended.
Read
August 23, 2023No. 05 - #10BooksByBlackMen (2023)
December 23, 2024
What a beautiful tribute to black men 💜
February 4, 2025
Powerful message
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews