A powerful, impactful, eye-opening journey that explores through the Civil Rights Movement in 1950s-1960s America in spare and evocative verse, with historical photos interspersed throughout.
In stunning verse and vivid use of white space, Erica Martin’s debut poetry collection walks readers through the Civil Rights Movement—from the well-documented events that shaped the nation’s treatment of Black people, beginning with the “Separate but Equal” ruling—and introduces lesser-known figures and moments that were just as crucial to the Movement and our nation’s centuries-long fight for justice and equality.
A poignant, powerful, all-too-timely collection that is both a vital history lesson and much-needed conversation starter in our modern world. Complete with historical photographs, author’s note, chronology of events, research, and sources.
Customer Reviews (4.4 / 5 · 5 reviews)
Nicholas★★★★★
The spare verse hits so much harder than a textbook ever could, and the way each poem builds on the last made me feel like I was walking through the era step by step. I read it in one sitting, but I know I'll be coming back to certain poems again.
Ruby★★★★★
The spare, evocative verse hits harder than any textbook ever could, and reading it felt like walking through the movement's heartbeats. I found myself pausing on nearly every page, letting the poems and their rhythm sink in before moving on.
Violet B.★★★★★
The interspersed historical photos add such a visceral layer to the spare verse—I found myself pausing on every single one. It's one of those books that feels essential, especially right now, and I've already pressed it into the hands of two friends.