Black Poetry Day, celebrated every October 17, honors the work of Black poets and the stories they’ve told throughout the centuries. It holds special significance for those with a love for literature, as it celebrates the life and legacy of Black poets from the past and those who are alive today, while also serving as a time to celebrate Black cultural heritage and give voice to Black authors.
Building bridges with powerful words and emotional storytelling, Black poets enlighten and unite people with a shared love of great words and imagery. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to visit on Black Poetry Day to honor some of the most well-known Black poets in history.
W.E.B. du Bois / NAACP Mural by Todd Van Hoosear licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
W.E.B. Du Bois National Historic Site — Great Barrington, Massachusetts
W.E.B. Du Bois is celebrated for his profound contributions to the Civil Rights Movement through his exceptional works, which have become pillars of African-American intellectual thought. His influential writings, such as The Souls of Black Folk (1903) and Black Reconstruction in America (1935), delve into the heart of African-American history and social progress.
In The Souls of Black Folk, Du Bois explores the complexities of racial identity, inequality, and the dual consciousness experienced by Black individuals in America. This work challenged prevailing notions of the era, shedding light on the rich cultural heritage and struggles of African Americans. Black Reconstruction in America further expanded on these themes by reevaluating the post-Civil War era and its implications for the African-American community. Du Bois’ works not only challenged but reshaped the discourse on African-American history, making him an enduring figure in the fight for racial justice and equality.
When you visit the W.E.B. Du Bois National Historic Site in Great Barrington, you can explore the place where Du Bois spent his boyhood years. Follow the trail that winds through the woods that lead to his house. You’ll learn about Du Bois’s life and stand in the same spots that the famed author once strolled through during his formative years.
Langston Hughes House — Harlem, New York City
Langston Hughes’ House, 20 E 127th Street by cindylu licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Langston Hughes was one of the most prolific writers during the Harlem Renaissance. He wrote some of his best work at 20 East 127th Street, the Harlem brownstone in New York City that now bears his name. Hughes lived on the top floor of the house from 1947 until his death in 1967. During his 20 years of residence, Hughes concentrated on works that examined the Black experience in the United States.
Among the best-known pieces of literature Hughes composed at the house are I Wonder as I Wander, an autobiography that focuses on his life in the 1930s. He also penned Montage of a Dream Deferred, a book-length poem that tells the story of several residents of Harlem during a 24-hour period. In addition to offering tours of Hughes’ residence, the Langston Hughes House also provides workshops on poetry and literature. These efforts are sponsored by I, Too, Arts Collective, a non-profit organization that serves underrepresented communities throughout the city.
Maya Angelou’s Historic Sites — Stamps, Arkansas, and Winston-Salem, N.C.
Throughout her life, Maya Angelou crafted some of the most beautiful and inspirational poems of the 20th century. Those with an interest in learning more about Angelou’s life should head to Stamps, Arkansas and Winston-Salem, North Carolina to walk in the footsteps of the master poet. A small town of just under 2,000 people, Stamps was Angelou’s hometown and later the setting of her 1969 autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, a powerful memoir that explores her early life, struggles, and triumphs, offering a profound insight into her remarkable journey. Gain a greater appreciation for Angelou’s humble beginnings as you absorb the small, Southern town aura.
Meanwhile, Winston-Salem offers an enriching experience for those with an interest in Angelou’s later work. Beginning in the 1980s, Angelou settled down as a professor at Winston-Salem’s Wake Forest University. During her time in Winston-Salem, Angelou fell in love with the natural beauty of the community, often hosting garden parties in her backyard. Head to Bailey Park for a taste of the same beautiful scenery that inspired Angelou’s later poetry. Bailey Park is also notable for being the site of a yearly memorial service on April 3, which is Angelou’s birthday.
Zora Neale Hurston’s Hometown — Eatonville, Florida
Eatonville might seem like your average small town. But Eatonville, Florida is also the birthplace of Zora Neale Hurston, a literary giant famous for her exploration of Black life in the American South at the turn of the 20th century. Hurston is best known for her 1937 masterpiece Their Eyes Were Watching God, a compelling novel that tells the story of Janie Crawford’s journey to self-discovery and empowerment. This classic work is now regarded as one of the best works of literature from the past 100 years, celebrated for its rich storytelling, vivid characters, and its exploration of themes such as love, identity, and the pursuit of happiness within the context of African-American culture in the South.
When you visit Eatonville, be sure to explore the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts, a cultural gem that not only delves into the life of the famous writer but also showcases an impressive collection of art by Black artists from across the African diaspora. The museum’s holdings include a diverse range of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia exhibits that provide a comprehensive look at the cultural contributions of Black artists throughout history.
In addition to the museum experience, consider signing up for the biking tours of Eatonville’s historic district. As you pedal through the charming streets, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how this town earned its distinction as the first Black municipality in the United States. Learn about the rich history, influential figures, and the pivotal moments that shaped Eatonville into a beacon of African-American culture and community.
You may also like: Six Distinctive Places for Celebrating Black History
Alice Walker by TEDxRamallah licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0
Alice Walker’s Literary Haunts — Eatonton, Georgia
Alice Walker has set the standard for modern poetry with her decades-long career. Walker is best known for her 1982 novel The Color Purple, a feminist masterpiece that chronicles a young Black woman’s efforts to live a life of independence. Walker’s work on The Color Purple earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, making her the first African-American woman to win the prestigious honor.
Bibliophiles hoping to learn more about Walker should head to Eatonton, Georgia, her hometown and the place where she developed her deep love of literature. Eatonton is also the location of the Georgia Writers Museum, an institution that houses a variety of artifacts from Walker’s past, including her diploma from Sarah Lawrence College and one of her typewriters. The Georgia Writers Museum is also home to the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame. You’ll learn more about Walker and some of the other amazing writers and poets that have called the Peach State home throughout the decades, including W.E.B. Du Bois and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Are there any other Black poets you love that we left off our list? Tell us in the comments below!
