What makes a poem political? In a time of censorship, book bans, and cultural erasure, poetry remains one of the most powerful tools of truth-telling and resistance. This blog features reflections from eight contemporary poets who explore the political power of their work and the role of poetry in documenting history, reclaiming identity, and resisting silence. From Phillis Wheatley to the voices shaping poetry today, the piece reveals why writing from the margins is a radical act, and how every poem becomes a form of protest, witness, and survival.

Publishing poetry comes with unique challenges, whether you're aiming for a traditional publishing deal or self-publishing your collection. Traditional routes often require an agent or submitting to small presses, while self-publishing offers creative freedom but demands more personal effort. This blog explores both paths, offering tips for manuscript preparation, cover design, formatting, and marketing strategies. Whether you’re seeking recognition or creative control, understanding the landscape of poetry publishing is essential. Learn how to make informed choices about the best route for your work, build your platform, and get your poetry into the world.

Publishing poetry is often seen as a challenge—but that doesn’t make it any less worthwhile. In a market that undervalues lyricism, vulnerability, and truth-telling, poets are frequently told their work is too niche or unmarketable. This blog dives into why poetry faces more barriers than other genres, from industry biases to lack of infrastructure, and how marginalized poets are often excluded from traditional pathways. Still, poetry remains one of the most powerful forms of expression—and it deserves to be published. Whether you’re navigating the contest circuit, querying indie presses, or self-publishing your first book, this piece offers insight, encouragement, and real talk about what it takes to get your work into the world.

This blog explores how poetry has always lived at the edges—resisting conformity, challenging power, and amplifying voices often pushed aside. From ancient oral traditions to modern spoken word, poetry has served as a vessel for memory, protest, and survival. It dives into the political history of poetry, the systems that gatekeep it, and why it continues to matter.

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.

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 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.