(Source: andreahope.org)

(Source: youtube.com)

PATRICIA SMITH was the very first (and second) Individual Poetry Slam Winner in the National Poetry Slam. She is featured in the film “Slamnation” and HBO’s “Def Poetry Jam” <Black_History_Month>

(Source: wordwoman.ws)

Thanks for all who attended and donated to the first ever Speak Sleepy. Top, Andrea Hope attendees/performers in their onesies. Bottom, donations gathered for Northwest Children’s Outreach.

(Source: andreahope.org)

Speak Sleepy Benefit. Portland, OR

…and they tell me to FIGHT the Power

but I can’t justify another war

so I kiss the Power on the forehead, ‘cause maybe no one’s done that one before.

and they tell me to FIGHT the Power

but I’ve always had weak wrists,

so I do one better than this; I teach the Power’s kids.

In Math, I teach them A = B

Ahmad = Betty, Carlito = Gertrude, Esteban = Mpholokeng

I replace their numerals with hard to pronounce names, so they learn that equality doesn’t mean variables look and sound the same.

In Science, I teach them exploitation of human species and deforestation of our grounds

I tape all of their lessons to the bottom of globes, so they can see how we’re turning the world upside down.

In History, I teach them to FIGHT the Power.

FIGHT the Power! FIGHT the Power!

FIGHT the Power! FIGHT the Power!

In Literature, I teach them that freedom of speech beckons

that when they open their mouths, they’ll have something liberating to say,

so we start with freedom of listening

and we start with freedom of questions

and I have them write questions and flip through library books for their answers until they’re weak in the wrists

too weak to make fists.

(Source: facebook.com)

performed @ Bosch Baha’i School. copyright Dec 2009

(Source: youtube.com)