This blog honors the life and influence of Nikki Giovanni, one of the most impactful poets of our time. It reflects on her role in shaping civil rights discourse through poetry, explores the genre’s historical marginalization, and highlights why publishing poetry remains a vital act of resistance. Drawing from Giovanni’s legacy, it also points readers toward resources for navigating poetry publishing in today’s literary landscape.

The publishing industry has historically exhibited discriminatory and systemic biases that have impacted marginalized individuals for decades, specifically BIPOC writers. Racial and cultural partiality heavily influences acquisitions in the literary world, and mainstream book writing and publishing practices have perpetuated stigmas and stereotypes against BIPOC.

Enheduanna, a Sumerian priestess from ancient Mesopotamia, is the first known author in recorded history. As a poet, political figure, and high priestess, she used her writing to unify empires, praise powerful female deities, and speak truth to power. This blog explores her legacy, her influence on literature, and the historical debate around her authorship, while reflecting on how her work continues to inspire women writers today.

We’re diving into the most fiercely written books in a variety of genres by contemporary Black women authors that we’ve read over the past year. This book list is important to us because it features a diverse range of voices and narratives that explore various aspects of the Black experience, both within the United States and beyond.

We’re highlighting 120 years of Black women excellence in poetry and literature, showcasing famous Black women poets whose work has left its mark on the literary, and political, world. Each of these women has used their poetry, essays, and spoken word to create a lasting impact on the awareness and advocacy of the Black experience—and for women overall.