Outspoken writers stand out more during the 1940s until the 1980s. During this period, the Black Power and the Black arts movement begins, but does not fully start until the d**h of Malcolm X. According to Blackpast.org, The Black Arts Movement was the name given to a group of politically motivated black poets, artists, dramatists, musicians, and writers who emerged in the wake of the Black Power Movement. This short period contained writers, such as Amiri Baraka & Nikki Giovanni, who were outspoken about how they felt with little or no barrier. These two writers along with others made the Black arts movement what it is today.
Feb 1965 - At a protest rally in Harlem, New York, members of the Nation of Islam a**a**inate Malcolm X.
“A Poem for Black Hearts” Amiri Baraka
“For Malcolm's eyes, when they broke
the face of some dumb white man, For
Malcolm's hands raised to bless us
all black and strong in his image
of ourselves”
April 1965 – Black Arts Movement begins
“Black Art” Amiri Baraka
“Poems are bullsh** unless they are
teeth or trees or lemons piled
on a step.”
1966 - The Black Panther Party for Self-Defense is founded.
Jubilee by Margaret Walker published.
“Flee as a bird to your mountain,
Ye who are weary of sin.
Go to the clear flowing fountain,
Where you may wash and be clean.”
1967 - Second Black Writers Conference takes place at Fisk University.
1968 - Martin Luther King a**a**inated, April 4.
“Dark Symphony” James. A. Emanuel
"A literature meaningfully begins, however, with its early instances of lasting achievement, with works that sk**fully initiate or characterize dominant trends."
1969 - Ebony magazine's special “The Black Revolution” issue, includes profile on Baraka and poetry essay by L. Neal
The Black Arts Movement - By Larry Neal
"As such, it envisions an art that speaks directly to the needs and spirations of Black America"
1973 - Margaret Walker organizes the Phillis Wheatley Poetry Festival at Jackson State University.
October Journey – Margaret Walker
"Choose no dangerous summer nights;
no heavy tempting hours of spring;
October journeys are safest, brightest, and best."
1976 - Black World magazine, a major venue for the publication of black poetry, ceases publication.
Untitled by Eugenia Collier
"There is a king of flow
to her walk,
her ancient body supple, firm
(the gift of toil)
her spirit undefeated by the years."