10 Poems to Read on Black British History (Past Black History Month)
October is important for Black Britons across the United Kingdom. Since 1987, Black History has been celebrated in the UK every year during this month. Which, is why I believe it’s incredibly important for BHM to be celebrated. But, learning and celebrating black history shouldn’t be restricted to just October.
To continue the celebration of Black History, here’s a list of 10 amazing poems you can start reading beyond October. The poems are extremely thought-provoking and written by a number of talented poets of Afro- Caribbean heritage.
1. The British ( serves 60 million) by Benjamin Zephaniah
A witty, creative, and poignant poem written by one of Britain’s most well-known poets. A recipe is used as an allegory for both British people and society. In this poem, Benjamin Zephaniah reminds us to celebrate Britain’s multi-cultural identity. He uses ingredients to represent different cultural backgrounds and ethnicities that exist within the UK.
Although amusing, the poem does contain an important message regarding the integrity of our society. Towards the end of the poem, Zephaniah reminds the reader to ‘Give Justice and Equality to All’, no matter what.
Favourite quote: ‘ Mix some hot Chileans, cool Jamaicans, Dominicans’ - the wordplay is fantastic.
Watch a performance of the poem here.
Find out more about Benjamin Zephaniah here.
2. Conversations about Home ( at the Deportation centre) by Warsan Shire
In this heartfelt poem, Warsan Shire explores the themes of belonging, displacement, violence, and loss. The narrator shares their lived experience as an asylum seeker. Shire details the harsh realities of both what has been left behind but also the uneasiness of the present. Although frightening, the narrator makes it clear that this is still more preferable than her previous home, even if it is filled with discrimination and bigotry. The powerful use of metaphors throughout this poem creates vivid images that allow the reader to feel like they are with the narrator throughout their unsettling journey.
Favourite quote: ‘No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark’.
Watch a performance of the poem here.
Find out more about Warshan Shire here.
3. A Portable Paradise by Roger Robinson
An uplifting poem which highlights the importance of self-belief in our daily lives. Robinson’s poem is an ode to his grandma’s advice, which almost becomes a mantra for him. The poem makes subtle references to how the outside world can affect our own perception of life and self. The ‘portable paradise’ is never specified but can be interpreted differently by each individual.
Whether it is a feeling of quiet confidence, a fond memory that provides you with comfort, or a belief that will get you through difficult times; It is important to have these ‘happy places’ and ‘safety nets’. The poem itself becomes what could be considered our own portable paradise, as we ourselves might recite our favourite lines that bring happiness.
Favourite quote: ‘ find a lamp and empty your paradise onto a desk: your white sands, green hills and fresh fish’.
Listen to the poem here.
Find out more about Roger Robinson here.
4. Prejudice by Rakaya Fetuga
In this poem, Rakaya Fetuga unpacks the different levels of prejudice that is faced by Black Britons in society today. The poet refers to systematic racism, colonial inheritances and islamophobia, highlighting the dual nature of the society we live in. The familiar narrative that has been put forward is that as a society we are progressive about race issues; however inaccurate histories, lazy stereotypes and convenient boxes ( such as BAME) still exist. Ms Fetuga comes to the conclusion that the Black community, instead, can create their own narratives, tell their own stories, and have pride in their own heritage. Even, if Britain will not.
Favourite quote: ‘I am a Black, British, Muslim woman with West African roots – just because she wears a scarf too doesn’t mean we’re in cahoots, just because he’s kind of dark too doesn’t mean we’re shooting hoops’
Watch the poem here.
Find out more about Rakaya Fetuga here.
5. Di Great Insohreckshan by Linton Kwesi Johnson
In this resistance poem, the acclaimed dub poet and performer Linton Kwesi Johnson recounts the feelings of many Black Britons during the 1981 Brixton riots. The riots were in response to the police brutality, discrimination and antagonistic laws that were brought by the government, which led to much tension and frustration in communities throughout the UK. In ‘ Di Great Insohreckshan’, Johnson’s unapologetic use of patois is not only paying homage to his background unapologetically; but is also being unapologetically political. The poem which has been performed for almost 40 years, is still as relevant today as it was then.
Favourite quote: ‘Fi make deh rule of dem understand, Dat we NAH take no more of dem oppression’
Watch a performance of the poem here.
Find out more about Linton Kwesi Johnson here.
6. ENG/LAND or Thoughts After Thinking About Buying an ‘ENGLAND’ Bucket Hat Ahead of the 2018 World Cup Semi-Final Match Against Croatia by Bridget Minamore.
In this poem, Bridget Minamore explores her complicated relationship with England. Minamore notices that there are things about the country that seem like home, whilst others only serve to alienate her. This ranges from exploitative consumerism to racist rhetoric that is sometimes disguised as patriotism. The poet does however have a love for her version of England; where she grew up and the people that surround her. At the end of the poem, Minamore realises that although she has a conflicting relationship with England, it is still her home. This is an all too common theme for many of us ethnically diverse Brits who struggle with our own sense of belonging.
Favourite quote: ‘My sort-of land? My passport part of this land, a so-called United Kingdom of lands and my land in this kingdom is England’.
Read the poem here.
Find other works by Bridget Minamore here.
7. Watershed by Gboyega Odubanjo
A delightful poem which emphasises the importance of representation. The children in the poem both curious and fascinated by the music they are exposed to, are even more delighted to watch Michael Jackson’s performance. It is evident in the poem that children are ecstatic to see someone who resembles them on TV, which in turn encourages them to explore their own relationship with music.
Favourite quote: ‘ soft carpet on toes headbanging, with afros as close to the telly as possible’.
Find out more about Gboyega Odubanjo here.
8. fire by Amina Jama
In this poem, Amina Jama explores the migrant experience in Britain, through the lens of a woman. The woman referred to in the poem, much like many immigrants in Britain, is othered. Her feelings are all deemed to be strange and unfamiliar. But as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that many of the migrant woman’s experiences of loss, betrayal and poverty are human experiences.
The poem serves to humanise the migrant protagonist and celebrate her strength and vulnerability.
Favourite quote: ‘they call our love urban’.
Find out more about Amina Jama here.
9. Amongst the Smog by Tanaka Fuego
Tanaka Fuego’s poem refers to the bittersweetness of growing up in the capital. Fuego’s recounts his experience in London and how climate change has affected the city. Much like the smog, that is mentioned in the title, London atmosphere itself can be seen as smothering. The constant repetition of the word ‘ISN’T’. shows the conflicting feelings Tanaka has about his city. The poet’s subtle reference to Britain’s lack of accountability can be attributed to many things –colonial inheritances, protecting the environment and ultimately protecting its people.
Favourite quote: ‘Correct me if I’m wrong, But I think Britain has attachment issues’.
Find out more about Tanaka Fuego here.
10. Alive by Antonia Jade King
In this poem, Antonia Jade King explores how Black woman’s hair is viewed by society. She writes about an all too familiar situation whereby Black hair and styles has been deemed unprofessional in the workplace. King rejects this notion and instead marvels at her hair and its beauty. She celebrates both its appearance and the statement it makes. Ultimately, she knows that society’s prejudice about her hair cannot affect her, because she adores it.
Favourite quote: ‘You call it unprofessional because of course professionalism is straight and white’.
Read the poem here.
Find out more about Antonia Jade King here.
