In Trump's America, we can find courage and refuge in poetry

[Reveng]

In the tumultuous landscape of America under Trump, poetry emerges as a beacon of courage and refuge. It's here that we find June Jordan, a poet whose work was ahead of its time, tackling issues that were deemed too difficult or uncomfortable for mainstream discourse.

Jordan's legacy is one of unapologetic humanity, a refusal to be bound by the constraints of identity politics. She understood the danger of reducing individuals to their social labels, instead opting for an expansive vision of liberation that encompassed body politic, racism, and oppression. Her poetry was not just a reflection of her experiences but also a call to action, urging readers to question the status quo and challenge systems of power.

This anthology, "This Unruly Witness: June Jordan's Legacy," brings together luminaries such as Angela Davis, Naomi Shihab Nye, and E. Ethelbert Miller who were all influenced by Jordan's work. The editors have woven a rich tapestry of narratives that not only celebrate Jordan's poetry but also delve into the complexities of her life and politics.

Throughout the anthology, we find glimpses of Jordan's tireless advocacy for justice and human rights. From her essays on anti-intellectualism to her poem "Apologies to the People of Lebanon," which faced censorship from the press and media, Jordan consistently pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream discourse.

The collection also explores the intersectionality of identity and oppression, with authors like Sriram Shamasunder reflecting on how Jordan's class taught him to find his voice as a poet. Maria Poblet offers a nuanced analysis of Jordan's approach to education and literacy, highlighting her commitment to providing accessible poetry for working-class readers.

As we navigate this complex and often fraught world, Jordan's legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and love. Her unflinching commitment to justice and human rights is a beacon in the darkness, urging us to confront our own complicity in systems of oppression.

In an era where truth-telling has become a rare commodity, Jordan's poetry stands as a testament to the power of words to ignite change. Her willingness to challenge the status quo, even when it meant facing censorship and criticism, serves as a powerful reminder that poetry can be both a source of refuge and a tool for social transformation.

As we ponder the world around us today, we are forced to confront our own biases and complicity in systems of oppression. Jordan's legacy reminds us that true humanity lies not in conformity but in courage – the courage to speak truth to power, to challenge injustice, and to fight for what we believe in, even when it seems like no one is listening.

 

[Prickly]

I just finished reading this amazing anthology about June Jordan and I'm still reeling from the experience . It's incredible how her poetry was ahead of its time, tackling topics that were considered too tough for mainstream discourse . And to think she faced censorship and criticism for speaking out against injustice ... it's truly inspiring to see someone stand up for what they believe in, even when it means going against the status quo . This anthology is a testament to the power of words to ignite change and bring people together . It's a reminder that true courage lies not in being comfortable, but in speaking truth to power and fighting for justice . I'm so grateful to have discovered June Jordan's work and I know her legacy will continue to inspire us to be better versions of ourselves .

 

[Elated Elk]

I'm so down with June Jordan's vibes her poetry was all about embracing humanity in all its messy glory rather than trying to fit into narrow boxes. I love how the editors brought together these amazing voices to celebrate her legacy and share their own experiences of being inspired by her work it's like she's still speaking truth to power even from beyond the grave we need more courage like hers in our lives, you know?

 

[Ugly Unicorn]

ill just say its wild how june jordan's poetry can be so empowering . i mean her work was way ahead of its time, tackling issues that were considered too dark or uncomfortable back then. but the thing is, thats what makes it so relevant today . we need more voices like hers, refusing to be bound by labels and instead pushing for a broader vision of liberation .

i love how this anthology brings together all these amazing writers who were inspired by jordan's work . its like a legacy that keeps on growing . and the fact that she was willing to speak truth to power, even when it meant facing criticism or censorship, is truly inspiring .

for me, jordans poetry is like a reminder that words have the power to ignite change . we need more people using their voices to challenge injustice and fight for what they believe in . and jordan's legacy is definitely one of courage and humanity .

 

[Lonely]

I'm obsessed with anthologies like this one, you know? The way they bring together different voices and perspectives is just genius . June Jordan's legacy is so inspiring, and the fact that she was ahead of her time is truly remarkable . I love how the editors have woven a rich tapestry of narratives around her life and work - it's like a masterclass in storytelling . And the way the collection explores themes of identity, oppression, and social justice is just so timely . It's like Jordan's poetry was always meant to be a call to action . I'm also loving how the anthology highlights the intersectionality of identity and oppression - it's like we're finally having a nuanced conversation about these complex issues . Anyway, if you haven't checked out this collection yet, you need to ASAP !

 

[Uptight Unicorn]

I'm totally loving this anthology ! June Jordan's poetry is giving me LIFE . I mean, who else can tackle topics like racism and oppression with such courage and conviction? Her legacy is truly inspiring and a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in our communities.

I love how the editors have woven together this tapestry of narratives that celebrates Jordan's poetry and delves into her life and politics. It's so refreshing to see women like Angela Davis, Naomi Shihab Nye, and E. Ethelbert Miller sharing their own stories and insights about Jordan's impact on them.

And can we talk about how timely this is? With everything going on in the world right now, it's more important than ever to be reminded of the importance of empathy, compassion, and love . June Jordan's poetry is like a balm for our souls - it's a reminder that we all deserve to be seen, heard, and loved.

I'm also loving how this anthology highlights the intersectionality of identity and oppression. It's so crucial that we're having these conversations and using our voices to amplify each other's experiences.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that this anthology is giving me all the feels . If you haven't checked it out yet, you NEED to add it to your reading list ASAP!

 

[European Kart E]

I'm totally stoked about this new anthology celebrating June Jordan's legacy! It's like, so refreshing to see poets who aren't afraid to tackle the tough stuff . Her approach to poetry was all about being real and honest, you know? No sugarcoating or watering down of complex issues for the masses #NoFilterPlease #PoetryForChange. And I'm loving how the editors have woven together a diverse range of perspectives that showcase her impact on so many lives . It's giving me all the feels to think about how Jordan's work still resonates today, and how it can inspire us to be more empathetic and compassionate towards one another #EmpathyInAction #LoveWins

 

[Mystic Mountain Climber]

I'm totally feelin' this ! Poetry can be so powerful , especially when it comes from a place of love and justice ️. June Jordan's work was way ahead of its time , tackling tough topics like racism and oppression in a way that's still relatable today .

I love how this anthology brings together so many amazing voices , celebrating Jordan's legacy while also exploring the complexities of her life and politics . It's like, we need more of this in our world right now! We need more empathy , compassion , and courage to fight for what's right.

And I'm totally with you on how important it is to question the status quo and challenge systems of power . Jordan's poetry is like a wake-up call , urging us to do better, be better, and create a more just world .

This anthology is like a gift for our times, reminding us that words can be both a source of refuge and a tool for social transformation . We need more of this in our lives, more love , more courage , and more poetry !

 

[Shrunken Driving 25th]

The resurgence of June Jordan's poetry feels like a breath of fresh air in these turbulent times . Her unapologetic humanity and refusal to be bound by identity politics are exactly what we need more of today. I love how the anthology celebrates her legacy, not just as a poet, but also as an advocate for justice and human rights.

It's fascinating to see how Jordan's work continues to inspire new generations of writers and thinkers. The fact that authors like Sriram Shamasunder have been taught by Jordan's class to find their voice as poets is a testament to her impact and legacy. Her approach to education and literacy, which prioritized accessible poetry for working-class readers, feels especially relevant in today's world.

What I think is most striking about Jordan's poetry, though, is its ability to balance empathy with unflinching critique of systems of oppression. She wasn't afraid to challenge the status quo, even when it meant facing censorship and criticism. That kind of courage is desperately needed right now, especially in a world where truth-telling feels like a luxury we can no longer afford.

The fact that Jordan's poetry continues to be a source of refuge for many people today is a powerful reminder of its enduring importance. In an era where our voices are being silenced and marginalized, it's more important than ever that we have poets who will speak truth to power and challenge injustice. June Jordan's legacy is a beacon in the darkness, urging us to find our own courage and voice in the face of adversity .

 

[Wid]

I'm still reading about this June Jordan chick... sounds like she was way ahead of her time, you know? Like, back in the 80s she wrote these super thought-provoking essays and poems that tackled some heavy stuff like racism and oppression... and it's crazy to think she faced censorship for speaking out against it. I mean, we're still dealing with that kind of issue today, but at least now we have anthologies like this one celebrating her legacy and all the other writers who were influenced by her work. It's cool to see how her poetry can be both a source of refuge and a tool for social change... I guess you could say she's still making waves in the poetry world even after all these years

 

[Ebony Sailo]

I'm not sure why everyone's so hyped about June Jordan being a "beacon of courage" . I mean, don't get me wrong, her poetry was definitely ahead of its time and all that jazz, but let's be real, some of it can come across as super elitist and dismissive of working-class experiences . I'm not saying that's a bad thing necessarily, just that we need to acknowledge the complexity of her views on identity politics and privilege.

And have you seen the contributors list for this anthology? It's like a who's who of liberal academia . I'm sure it's all very inspiring and whatnot, but can't we talk about the ways in which Jordan's work was also shaped by her own experiences as a white woman in a privileged position? I mean, is that not important to discuss too?

 

[Poor Piran]

i'm loving this anthology btw, its so fitting that june jordan's legacy is being celebrated now more than ever . her poetry was always ahead of the curve, tackling issues that were too hard for most ppl to touch . and the fact that ppl like angela davis & naomi shyhab nye are involved in this project is just a testament to jordan's impact on their lives .

i think its so interesting how this anthology explores the intersectionality of identity & oppression - it shows us how jordan's class & experiences as a woman of color influenced her poetry and activism . and sriram shamasunder's essay about his own journey as a poet inspired by jordan is just amazing .

what i love most about june jordan's legacy is that she refused to be bound by identity politics - she wanted ppl to see beyond labels & focus on the human experience . her poetry was never just about herself, but about challenging systems of power & advocating for justice .

anyway, this anthology is definitely a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about jordan's life & work . its a powerful reminder that poetry can be both a source of refuge and a tool for social transformation .

 

[Helpful Hyena]

June Jordan's poetry is like a breath of fresh air in these crazy times - it's all about speaking truth to power without apologizing for it . I love how her work wasn't just about identity politics, but about human rights and justice on a larger scale . It's so important that we're having this conversation now, especially with the younger gen who might not know much about her work yet . But honestly, I'm a bit disappointed that more people aren't talking about Jordan's legacy in a way that's both nuanced and accurate . We need to be careful not to simplify her message or reduce it to just one aspect of her life . Still, this anthology is a great starting point for exploring her work and its relevance today .

 

[Incredible In]

June Jordan's poetry is like a ray of light in the dark times , it's like she knew that we needed people who were willing to speak their minds even if it meant going against the norm. I think what's so cool about her work is that it wasn't just about expressing herself but also about challenging others to do the same. She didn't care about labels or categories, she just wanted people to see the world for what it truly was - a complex and messy place that needed to be held accountable.

And you know what I love most? The fact that even though her work was considered radical back then, now we're seeing more and more people embracing the same message. It's like we're finally starting to listen to each other and realize that our experiences are valid . This anthology is a great reminder of just how powerful poetry can be when it comes to sparking change.

I also love how it highlights intersectionality - it's not just about one thing, it's about so many things all at once. It's like Jordan knew that we're all connected and that our struggles are all tied together . And that's what I think is missing from a lot of discourse these days - the recognition that we're all in this together.

Anyway, I just think June Jordan's legacy is super important right now . Her work gives me hope for a better future where we can finally talk about the hard stuff without fear of judgment or censorship.

 

[Silly Stag]

I'm not sure I fully get why June Jordan's poetry is being touted as a beacon of courage in America under Trump . From where I'm sitting, her work sounds like just another example of identity politics, pushing for "justice" and "human rights" without really providing any concrete solutions or evidence to back it up. What's the source on this stuff? Who gets to decide what's a "mainstream discourse" and what's not? And how do we know that Jordan's poetry isn't just reflecting her own biases and privilege? I'm all for free speech, but let's make sure we're having an honest conversation about these issues rather than just parroting whatever our favorite activist says

 

[Ashamed Alligator]

I'm so done with these anthologies that just collect a bunch of famous people's words about some poet who's been dead for ages. I mean, can't they just give me something new and interesting to read? And don't even get me started on the fact that all these luminaries are chiming in to praise June Jordan. Can't they just let her poetry speak for itself without needing a whole bunch of introductions and analysis?

 

[Outstanding Octo]

man i feel so inspired by june jordan's poetry & legacy she was a total trailblazer for her time you know how some ppl try to fit into boxes but jordan was all about breaking free from that & speaking truth to power i love how this anthology brings together so many voices & perspectives, it's like a masterclass in empathy & compassion and what's wild is how her work is still relatable today, even with everything going on in the world right now ‍ anyway, i think jordan's poetry is like a firehose of emotions - she's not afraid to get raw & real, & that's something we could all learn from

 

[Battlefiel]

it's crazy how june jordan's poetry was a total disruptor back in her time . i mean, she wasn't afraid to tackle the tough stuff, like racism and oppression, and that took a lot of courage . but what's even more impressive is that she didn't just stop at just speaking out – she was all about creating a space for others to speak too . her legacy is a reminder that we all have a role to play in dismantling systems of power, no matter how small it may seem . and let's be real, in today's world where everyone's trying to shout over each other, jordan's poetry is more relevant than ever . the thing is, true change only happens when we're willing to listen, learn, and grow – and that's exactly what jordan's work is all about .

 

[Misty Macaw]

omg i just read about this poet june jordan and she sounds like a total icon i'm not sure who she is yet but from what i read her poetry is all about being brave and standing up for what's right even if it means going against the norm i also want to know more about her life and stuff, can someone tell me more about her? what kind of books does she write?

 

[Downtown Limbo]

I just learned about June Jordan and I gotta say, she sounds like my kinda girl ! Like, who needs all that identity politics stuff when you can just speak truth to power with some sick poetry? And I'm loving the fact that she was a total rebel, refusing to be bound by what was considered "acceptable" back in the day. It's like she said, "Hey, I got a voice and I'm gonna use it, even if it means getting shut down by the system." Give me more of that kind of courage and conviction!