Poetry and Spoken Word

Published on September 01, 2013 by PBS

Enjoy the rhythm of poetry and spoken word with this special collection of videos and stories featuring poetry, poets and spoken word by Black authors. Connect with poetry and spoken word with PBS!

Spoken Word Poet Desmond Spann

Desmond Spann, aka DLux the Light is a spoken word poet, a positive emcee and an educator.


Poetry Everywhere: "Tornado Child" by Kwame Dawes

Kwame Dawes, a writer, actor, and musician, reads his poem "Tornado Child."


Poet and Performer Bianca Spriggs

Affrilachian poet and performer Bianca Spriggs discusses "The Thirteen," an exhibit and performance revolving around the lives of 13 black women who were lynched in Kentucky during the 19th and 20th centuries. (From KET series Connections)


"American Smooth" by Rita Dove

Pulitzer Prize-winning Rita Dove reads her poem "American Smooth."


Creole Poems

Does this manuscript contain words of love or illegal acts of rebellion?


WHYY Afterschool: Music and Poetry

The arts play an instrumental role in young people's lives. Pursuing creative endeavors helps young people in social, intellectual, and emotional development. Two disciplines, music and poetry, in particular are featured here. Produced by: Jaki Conroy, Christopher Holmes, Jared Jackson, Roger Pham, Kamerin Stroud.


Frank X Walker: I Dedicate This Ride

A dramatization of the life of African-American jockey Isaac Murphy.


Amanda Gorman, National Youth Poet Laureate

Alicia Menendez (Amanpour and Company) sits down with Amanda Gorman, who at twenty-one years old is already a published author, the first National Youth Poet Laureate, and founder of an initiative in her hometown of Los Angeles that promotes literacy.