we be theorizin

Summary

we be theorizin: black poiēsis no. 1. vol. 44 is a collection of haikus, tankas, sonnets, free verse, and spoken word poems written in the Black Arts Movement tradition. Compiled of 44 poems and 149 end notes, we be theorizin reflects the protest of the Black Arts and Civil Rights Movements, while giving homage to the theoretical dexterity from which Black feminism and womanism were born. we be theorizin is organized into three parts: "thru morning pulses"; "we be theorizin"; and "Black life unexpected"—each of which includes a prose essay as introductory matter to the poems compiled in each section. From poems acknowledging the Black Lives Matter Movement to others recalling 20th century Black literature and critical race thoughts, we be theorizin loves on Black culture, while talkin b(l)ack to the empire. "Ey yo!" writes Kendra in her opening poem, "callin Òrìṣàs: . . . come out come out wherever you are."