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

Poetry's Power to Challenge and Heal in a Divisive America

In the midst of a deeply divided America, where the lines between truth and falsehood have become increasingly blurred, it is essential to find solace in the works of those who have dedicated their lives to speaking out against injustice. For poet June Jordan, whose legacy is showcased in "This Unruly Witness: June Jordan's Legacy," poetry was not just a form of artistic expression but a powerful tool for social change.

Jordan's unwavering commitment to justice and her unflinching critique of the systems that perpetuate oppression make her a hero for our time. Through her work, she showed us that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to resist and challenge the status quo.

The anthology, featuring contributions from literary luminaries such as Angela Davis, Naomi Shihab Nye, and E. Ethelbert Miller, serves as a testament to Jordan's enduring influence. Her poetry is not just a reflection of her own experiences but also a call to action for us all.

As I read through the pages of "This Unruly Witness," I was struck by Jordan's courage in the face of adversity. She was a poet who dared to speak truth to power, even when it meant going against the grain and challenging those in positions of authority.

In an era where empathy and compassion seem to be in short supply, Jordan's work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection. Her poetry is not just about individual experience but also about our collective humanity – our shared struggles, triumphs, and vulnerabilities.

Through her writing, Jordan showed us that we all have the power to create change. Whether it's through our words, our actions, or our very presence in the world, we can choose to be part of the solution or perpetuate the problems.

As I closed the book on "This Unruly Witness," I couldn't help but wonder what June Jordan would do if she were here today. Would she continue to speak out against injustice? Would she use her platform to amplify marginalized voices?

The answer, unfortunately, is a resounding yes. And that's why her work remains so relevant, so urgent, and so necessary in this moment.

In "This Unruly Witness: June Jordan's Legacy," we find a poet who embodies the very spirit of activism – a poet who is unwavering in her commitment to justice, compassion, and humanity. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder that we all have the power to create change, one word, one poem, or one action at a time.

As we move forward in this uncertain world, Jordan's poetry reminds us of the importance of staying true to ourselves, to our values, and to each other. It's a call to arms – a call to be part of the solution, not just an observer. And that's something we can all get behind.

i mean come on, where do we even start with this poem? it's like june jordan is speaking directly to our souls, you know? she's got this fire in her belly and a pen that's just burning away at the injustices of the world. it's not just about being a poet, it's about being a force for change. i love how she tackles these tough topics head on, no holds barred. and can we talk about angela davis, naomi shyhab nye, and ethelbert miller too? what a dream team! the anthology is like a time capsule of hope and resistance. it's like jordan is saying "hey, we've been through tough times before, but we always come out stronger". i'm getting chills just thinking about it .

I'm reading this anthology about June Jordan's poetry and I gotta say, it's like she was speaking straight to my generation . She had the guts to challenge the system and speak truth to power, which is exactly what our politicians are supposed to be doing. But let's be real, most of them can't even get that right .

I mean, Jordan's poetry isn't just about personal struggles, it's also about systemic oppression and inequality. It's like she's saying we need to wake up and take action against these injustices, which is something our politicians could learn from .

But you know what really gets me? The fact that we still have people in power who don't get it . We're still dealing with the same issues Jordan was fighting against back in the day. It's like we're not learning from history or anything .

I guess what I'm saying is, June Jordan's legacy is still super relevant today. She showed us that poetry and activism can be powerful tools for change . And we need more people like her speaking out against injustice and advocating for the marginalized .

We just need to demand more from our politicians and hold them accountable . We can't just sit back and expect things to change on their own. We gotta make our voices heard and push for real change .

I'm reading about this poet June Jordan and it's really inspiring . She wrote in a time when America was super divided and she used her poetry to speak out against injustice. I love how she wasn't afraid to call out the system for what it is - unfair! Her words are like a wake-up call, reminding us that we all have the power to make a difference.

It's so cool to see famous people like Angela Davis contributing to this book about Jordan's work. It just shows how much of an impact she had on the literary world. I wish more people would speak out against injustice like Jordan did, it would be amazing

i'm still mind blown by how relevant june jordan's work is even after she passed away her poetry is like a time capsule of resistance and hope in a world that desperately needs it if she were here today, would she be more outspoken or more strategic in her approach? maybe we'll never know, but one thing's for sure - her legacy continues to inspire us to take action ️

I'm still reeling from reading about June Jordan... She was literally a superhero in poetry form! I mean, how many people have the guts to speak out against injustice like she did? It's crazy that her work is still so relevant today. I'm thinking, what can we learn from her legacy? How can we use our own voices to make a difference? I also wonder, what kind of impact do you think social media would have had on June Jordan's career? Would it have amplified her message even more or been too much for some people to handle?

I'm telling you, something fishy about this whole "legacy" thing... Like, why now? Why June Jordan's work is suddenly being celebrated like it never was before? I mean, don't get me wrong, she was a dope poet and all, but I've got a feeling there's more to it than meets the eye. Maybe they're trying to distract us from something bigger... Like, have you noticed how every time we need a hero, suddenly someone pops up out of nowhere? It's like they're manipulating our perceptions or something...

The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that poetry in America is being held back by its own popularity . People love Jordan's work because it validates their feelings and gives them a sense of belonging to a larger movement . But what if we're just perpetuating the same systems she was trying to challenge? What if her legacy is being watered down by the very people she was fighting for?

I'm not saying her poetry doesn't have power, but I think it's time to question whose voices are being amplified and whose are being silenced . We need more diverse perspectives, more uncomfortable truths, and more poetry that challenges us to be better versions of ourselves .

Let's not forget that Jordan's work was a product of its time, just like our own is . What's considered "unruly witness" today might be seen as a necessary evil tomorrow . So, instead of idolizing her legacy, let's use it as a springboard to keep pushing the boundaries of what poetry can do and say .

man this poem thing is wild it really makes you think about how one person can make a difference even when the world feels super divided ... like June Jordan was this huge deal in her time and now people are still learning from her & it's crazy how she used poetry to speak truth to power . i mean we need more of that kinda courage nowadays .

I don’t usually comment but I just finished reading this really inspiring article about June Jordan and I gotta say, her poetry is giving me LIFE ! It’s crazy how her work was ahead of its time, speaking truth to power and promoting empathy and compassion in a world that can feel super divided . The anthology featuring all these amazing writers is like a breath of fresh air, reminding us that we all have the power to create change one word at a time . I wish June Jordan was still with us today, but her legacy lives on through her poetry and it’s giving me hope for the future .

[A picture of a poet with a megaphone, surrounded by rainbow flags and flowers]

June Jordan's legacy is still so relevant today . I mean, her poetry was never just about being poetic - it was about using her platform to speak truth to power . Her unwavering commitment to justice and fighting against oppression is something we should all strive for. But at the same time, I wish she wasn't writing during such a tumultuous time in America's history . It's almost like she had to fight twice - once as a marginalized person and then again as an outspoken voice against injustice . Still, her work is a testament to the power of poetry to bring about change and create empathy . The anthology featuring Angela Davis and Naomi Shihab Nye is a great representation of that - it's not just Jordan's voice we hear but also others who are fighting for similar causes . Overall, I think her legacy serves as a reminder that individual actions (or words) can add up to create real change .

I'm still getting teary eyes reading about June Jordan . Her poetry is like a slap in the face for those who are in denial about the state of our country, but at the same time it's a warm hug to those who are fighting for justice and equality . It's so inspiring to see someone who didn't back down from speaking truth to power, even when it was hard . We need more people like her today, using their voices and platforms to make a difference . Let's keep spreading her message of love, compassion, and humanity, even in the face of adversity .

I think it's so cool how poetry can bring people together when everything else seems to be driving us apart . We need more voices like June Jordan's who aren't afraid to speak truth to power . Her legacy is still super relevant today, and I love that her work continues to inspire new generations of activists and artists .

But, like, what really resonated with me was how she used poetry as a way to process her own experiences and find strength in the midst of adversity . It's not always easy to put your voice out there when you're facing challenges and criticism, but Jordan shows us that it's worth it .

For me, this anthology feels like a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference, one word or action at a time . We might not be able to change the world overnight, but if we work together and support each other, we can create real change over time . And who knows? Maybe June Jordan's spirit is still out there, guiding us towards a more just and compassionate society .

What do you guys think about poetry as a tool for social change? Can it really make a difference in our lives?

i mean think about it poetry is like a superpower that lets us express ourselves in a way that transcends words, you know? it's not just about June Jordan's legacy but also about how her work continues to inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. the anthology is like a time capsule that reminds us of the struggles we face today and the importance of empathy and compassion.

I'm so down for more poetry anthologies like this one, it's amazing to see how June Jordan's work can spark conversations and ignite change. let's keep using our words to uplift each other and challenge the status quo. we need more people like June Jordan who aren't afraid to speak truth to power.

I feel like June Jordan's work is so underrated . I mean, people say she was a radical poet and stuff, but I think that's what makes her poetry so powerful . She wasn't afraid to tackle the tough issues and speak truth to power – I love that about her . And the fact that her work is still relevant today is just mind-blowing . It's like she knew something about the human condition that we're still figuring out ourselves . Anyway, I think we can all learn a thing or two from her legacy – like how to stay true to ourselves and fight for what's right .