Happy National Poetry Month! We’re kicking off our favorite time of the year with a challenge to anyone who loves the sound of flowing words and rhythmic beats.

Poetry after the 1970s challenged the tendency of the preceding Black Arts Movement to view African Americans as a monolithic group—as a collective of people with the same values, goals, and cultural expressions.

Through literature, writers and activists throughout history have paid homage to mothers of African descent. In recognition of Mother’s Day, the museum features a few selected poems by prominent figures in African American history and culture.

This is part two of a three-part blog series on African American poetry. This piece will cover The New Negro Renaissance to the Black Arts Movement.

This is part one of a three-part blog series on African American poetry. This piece focuses on the Pre-Civil War to Reconstruction eras.