The Instrument of Poetry: A Writing Workshop

This workshop will help attendees develop a principled poetic practice so they may better serve their people. Poetry is an instrument for revolutionary education. It must be used to raise the consciousness of both the artist and their audience. That is, poets should build a comprehensive understanding of one’s role in their changing environment. Further, poetry must have a relationship to other instruments of education like science, theory, history, and organizations. As with every tool, poetry must be mastered to help build something bigger than itself. This workshop will help attendees develop a principled poetic practice so they may better serve their people. The Facilitator: Prometheus Brer is a curator of the “Firework Blues” exhibit at 25 West. He is a blues poet from the Bronx, New York studying the lessons of revolution. To him, the blues is a conscious-raising school of thought. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from CUNY Hunter College and is pursuing his PhD at Yale in Black Studies and English. As he seeks the crossroads between scholarship, culture work, and organizing, he is inspired by the likes of Langston Hughes, Claudia Jones, and Amiri Baraka. This is a pay-what-you-want class! Please come prepared with a piece of poetry if possible. All levels of participation are welcome as well! All ages and levels of experience are welcome. Books: The Black Belt Thesis: A Reader A Fighting Dream: The Political Writings of Claudia Jones Think to Better Act: Volumes 1& 2 Pan-Africanism and Communism Manifestations of Thought: When the Dragon Comes