We Real Cool: A Poetry Class on the Voice & Craft of BIPOC Poets

Poetry is a matter of life, not just a matter of language. 

–Lucille Clifton

“Too often the voice and craft of BIPOC authors are overlooked when studying poetry,” says instructor Thea Matthews. “Enough! In order to be a more effective writer, a poet, one must be aware of the diverse voice and craft of non-white authors. And to grow, one must release the grip of white supremacy, especially in the literary arts world. Therefore this class is vital and timely for each writer will have the opportunity to further elevate their craft based on how we will engage with American poetry of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.”

In this 5-week class, students will get to re/define their personal canon of poets from diverse backgrounds that inspire and influence their work. Starting first with twentieth century poets such as Langston Hughes and Gwendolyn Brooks, then moving on to poets of today, including Jericho Brown, Tina Chang, and Natalie Diaz, we will read BIPOC poets’ work, discuss their craft, meditate on form, and apply poetic devices in our own writing. Students will have the opportunity to practice the duplex, the sonnet, and generate new forms while cultivating a new relationship with rhyme and repetition. Each class will hold a generative writing time with prompts and exercises based on the reading. And, each student will get to have feedback opportunities from peers and the instructor, while working towards a portfolio of poems to deliver as their “final.”

“This 5-week class experience is great for beginners as well as seasoned writers who seek to enhance their craft, generate new work, or continue on preexisting literary projects,” says Thea. “By the end of five weeks, we will have a virtual reading to celebrate our time together.”

About The Writing Salon's Remote Classes

Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, The Writing Salon is running all classes in a remote learning format. You will be able to participate in live class meetings via Zoom videoconference. To attend classes, you'll need a phone, tablet or computer and access to the internet. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your office. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about Zoom and your remote class. If you have any questions about remote learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.