In this audio clip you’ll hear Kathy Engel, friend of poet June Jordan, introduce and read from a collection of poems written by teens in Harlem, NYC in the 1960’s, entitled The Voice of the Children (Holt, Rinehart, & Winston, 1970).
Kathy speaks to June’s positive influence on her as a young poet and reads some of June’s inspiring words from the book’s afterward. Kathy also reads two of the student poems from the book.
This Friday, let us remember June Jordan and the importance of supporting young people as they explore their voices through poetry.
A favorite excerpt from the audio clip:
“If we will hear them, they will teach us what they need. They will bluntly formulate the tenderness of their deserving.” – June Jordan
Poetry Friday is hosted at Wild Rose Reader this week.
Posted by Danika Brubaker, MLS, Author and Publisher Liaison Librarian