PLEASE NOTE:
The contest is open to ALL AP members.
The Blacks- A Poetic Society members are the judges.
The Group Members Can Not enter the contest.
"THE BLACKS" - A LITERARY SOCIETY
AllPoetry's first Black Group that enlists the Literature of African-Americans, their Philosophies, Traditions, and writings.
WE are here to enhance and encourage the study of the works of African-American writers past and present.
Our Mission Statement:
It is our mission to highlight the contributions of African-American artists while educating the masses. We find a dire need even in the 21st Century to bring information to the populace via our poetic energies. The accomplishments of Black people is not restricted to one month a year. WE are here everyday. WE are Black everyday...
Our Membership Roster:
OUR FIRST CONTEST: - Harlem Renaissance Reunion
Your Assignment:
- Choose from one of the following Poets
- Become inspired by a poem they wrote and write your own
- Do Not Use the title of the poem by the original Author
- Do Not Re-write their work
- Be as original as possible inspired by their writing
- All standard Rules apply
- All ages groups are welcome
- Big points will be earned here
- Be respectable to all participants
- The members above are All judges
- You have seven (7) days to complete the assignment
- All links lead to http://oldpoetry.com (our sister site)
- We hope you are enlightened, and educated all in one
Option # 1
Arna Bontemps
http://oldpoetry.com/oauthor/show/Arna_Bontemps
Option # 2
Sterling A. Brown
http://oldpoetry.com/oauthor/show/Sterling_A_Brown
Option # 3
Margaret Danner
http://oldpoetry.com/oauthor/show/Margaret_Danner
Option # 4
Robert Hayden
http://oldpoetry.com/oauthor/show/Robert_Hayden
Option # 5
Dudley Randall
http://oldpoetry.com/oauthor/show/Dudley_Randall
Option # 6
Claude McKay
http://oldpoetry.com/oauthor/show/Claude_McKay
Option # 7
Frank Marshall Davis http://oldpoetry.com/oauthor/show/_Frank_Marshall_Davis
Option # 8
Countee Cullen
http://oldpoetry.com/oauthor/show/Countee_Cullen
Choose your poet and write!
Thank you for joining us and the best of luck to you!
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on March 30, 2008
- Rewards: Gold: 1000, Silver: 500, Bronze: 250, Honorable mention: 3 people
- Final notes: Thank you to each of you for your participation. Sometimes quantity is not necessary when quality abounds. All the poems here were exceptional. Again, We Thank You!
Gold - After The Storm
Silver - Trace Elements
Bronze - Ivory Facade
Honorable Mention - Ridiculed
My PC may freeze at any moment so, I must end my comment here. The accomplishments of African-American Literary artists is very important to us and we truly appreciate your support. As a Moderator I also extend a Thank You form oldpoetry.com.
THE BLACKS - A Literary Society
Poetryality - Founder
Contest Winners
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"THE BLACKS" - A LITERARY SOCIETYby Freestyle Bushido 21 lines, 9 comments, on Mar 12 3:56 AM 2008. In Contemporary, Freewrite, Spoken word
Gold trophy winner
• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
"What is Africa to me?",
the poet, Countee Cullen, says,• Commented on by judge. [remove] -
Her ivory skin hid the truth
And golden hair sealed the deal.• Commented on by judge. [remove]
Silver trophy winner
Bronze trophy winner
Honorable mention
Entries [4]
Add a comment
Comments
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Dear Renee
I thought I was doing so good today too!
I had my smoked neck bones,
and black-eyed peas and cabbage.
Two hours later someone showed up with some banana
and pineapple pudding.
All that soul food going around
my system and I can't get into this contest!
Well, maybe you "Aren't" what you eat!LOL
Well, I guess I'll just make me a hot-link sandwich
and see how this contest turns out.LOL
All the love~~~~all the luck~~~~All the love~~~~
Fondly,
John-Las Vegas, Nevada
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Great Contest Renee!
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I'll tell you what John. You get that food all digested and get your butt back over here tomorrow. And please, whatever you do, eat a light meal at night. That's how my grandparents did it. They had fried chicken, sausage, bacon, Canadian bacon, grits, corn, stewed potatoes, biscuits, eggs, jam, coffee, for breakfast, a light lunch and a bowl of cereal for dinner. LOL Try it that way so you can enter this contest.
Love You ♥
Renee
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Thank You!
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Bookmarked... thank you so much...PK
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Thank you dear man!
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Renee
If I ate all THAT food, you'd be lucky to see me again in about a week!LOL
I think this is a great, great contest. I'm going to keep track and see the entries as well. My Mom was born in Harlem Hospital in 1918. Now that doesn't make her black, but it must have had something to do with why she was one of the nicest Moms ever!
Again, best of luck here, and hope everyone has a little fun with it.
Passing in Las Vegas,
John -
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I'm telling you...stick-to-your-ribs kinda stuff. LOL
So what's stopping an entry? I'll be looking for one. Countee Cullen is whimsical, and witty... like someone else I know.
I love YOU ♥
Renee
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Wonderful idea for a contest, I see PK's name there; you have good judges to this contest
Wishing you guy lots of great entries
And yes, I edited my comment because I saw it all wrong, but to my defense, I went late to bed and was just awake when I clicked on this page. The 40's reaching to 50's
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LOL I didn't see the comment. LOL But whatever you said, I know it was real, and from the heart! Try knocking on 54's door!
You know there is nothing you could say that would turn me lopsided Mari. Speak what you feel beautiful! 
Ahem...so I can expect an entry, right?
Send Yam over here too.
I LOVE YOU MARI ♥
Renee
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I like your contest idea Renee, and I wish you all well in the challenge. As you know any link to Oldpoetry is tops with me and I feel this is going to be a popular contest.
Well done to you and your group of poets.
Von
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Thank You Von! You have always been such a support factor in my life at AP.
I LOVE YOU ♥
Renee
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Is the contest open to anybody or is it restricted to black people and/or members of the group? The rules are not clear about this.
Cheers,
Bill -
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Hi Bill,
This is an OPEN Contest, to ALL members of AP.
The Group members are the judges. They cannot enter the contest.
I do hope to see any entry from you as inspired by one of the OP Poets.
I apologize if the Contest Page is confusing. I hope I cleared things up for you.
Much Love & Respect ♥
Renee
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Good luck with the group. It sounds like a fantasic idea. I am actually Latin-American but I wish you all the luck with this. Don't forget though, unity should never become isolation. :-) Not saying you think that, just saying. :-)
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We could never become isolated on AP! LOL This place thrives on ever-ready bunny batteries.
I hope to see an entry from you dear poet.
Much Love & Respect ♥
Renee
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It is a shame that there is still a need to "enhance and encourage the study of the works of African-American writers past and present" as you state in the heading to this page. However I do applaud your efforts.
I look forward to the day that, in all fields, we will be colour blind.
Meanwhile keep up your efforts, thanks for organising this contest, and I'll put my thinking cap on to see if I can produce a poem to merit inclusion here.
Jim
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It's okay Jim, and it's really not as much of a shame as it is a necessity. I definately look forward to your entry. You are an OP Expert!
I LOVE YOU ♥
Renee
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What?
no Langston Hughes? -
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There's always Langston Hughes. LOL
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HA!
I found a way to sneak Langston in.
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See what I mean.
I Love YOU Rob!
Renee
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Same to you, my sister.
You had to know, as the resident beat imp, I would find a way. Hell, he was the black Whitman, Walt would have/must have loved the way Mr. Hughes sang his own actual America. What a grand contest. I hope many other pale poets will find the same inspiration I did.
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Bookmarked. I'll get back to you after the interview tommorow.
Excellent idea!
John
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Interesting contest and interesting mission statement. Good luck to all of you.
(Incidentally, I was wondering what to read on the train today, and you have just inspired me to pack Le Roi Jones' "Blues People" in my bag. Thank you) -
Dear Renee
Well, I better get reading then hadn't I?
Or as Mom's would say...
"I got sumpin' a tell ya chillun'!"
I'll do my best!
John -
I have, after much thought, removed my entry. While I agree wholeheartedly with the missions of the contest and the group, once I found out the group it'self is exclusionary, limiting membership to but one race, I could no longer support it any more than ANY other group limited to one race for membership. To be against racism, one must take uncomfortable positions to remain consistant in standing against it in ALL it's varieties.
PEACE, Rob -
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I am sorry that you feel this way Rob. But as I researched the Groups on this site one day a couple of weeks ago, I discovered that there were no Groups specific to the thoughts, needs, language, or education of African Americans and thought it necessary to create "the first". The same was evident when I came to this site. I went to OldPoetry.com and discovered only about eight poets there of African-American descent. I complained about that fact and was asked to come on Board as The African-American Researcher/Moderator. There is nothing RACIST about this group. In my estimation it is no different than a Gay/Bisexual; Group, which I think they have have every right to have but I for one, would not consider joining their ranks. It behooved me in the first place as to why someone other than a BLACK would want to join our Group considering the name we chose to give ourselves. We are selective at this juncture in our admissions to the Group. I know in my heart that you would never join to create upheaval but there are certainly those who would.
Again, I apologize if there are hurt feelings or if you in fact feel disenfranchised. That is not our intention. I can't imagine that any other Group on this site will receive what we have in the way of discontent. That saddens me.
Much Love Always ♥
Renee
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The later part of 2006 made me create WomenSupportGHroup. I have never gotten any complaint and that Group bars men, and people under 18. I guess women have more rights then Blacks in this country to this day. So, in the thoughts of many I am more woman than Black? To me they are equal portions of who I am.
I would no more wage a battle against anyone for being either. This is who I am. I have no wherewithal to be an oppressor. I have no means to keep you from doing anything because of the color of your skin, unless you consider this Group is set up for more than it is. We are established to enlist open dialog from African-Americans about our predecessor and to educate future generations of African-Americans, which is something very sparsely done in our educational systems across this nation.
If that is to be rebuked by anyone on this site. Sobeit. I do hope this finite issue in no way destroys what I thought was an open, honest, and fulfilling poetic relationship that for me surpassed cultural misnomers...
Renee
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First of all, when reviewing applicants for this group, the initial members voice their opinions.
Now among the first few applicants, I suggested the immediate entry of a poet who wrote soemthing to the effect of "being Black and wanting a better understaning of her heritage."
I wrote:
Heading out to Bible study. I'll approve so-and-so immediately. All others I'd like to read a number of their works to get a feel of who they are.
Why so-and-so? She's young and says she wants help. Embrace and engage her. She's a foundation. So like LA gangland initiation, let's throw some bricks at her and see what kind of house she makes. If she's solid rock, then ain't no flood can wash her away. Who knows who she made hold in the future.
But that's just how I'M handling it.
[This is what I wrote about you.]
I read Rob's entry and he may be cool but that "token" crap don't fly with me. Later. One.
Dez
"...I could no longer support it any more than ANY other group limited to one race for membership."
When I made it clear that I may not admit you, two of this "racist's group" members not only vouched for you but also IM'd me personally in your favor.
First impressions:
I was taught by an old white man I used to run errands for as a kid, "When you meet a man for the first time, you look him in the eyes and give him a firm handshake." He taught me that when he introduced me to his grandson and I gave his grandson "five."
Now those other members may know you, but my first impression of you is "token."
Why does "token" rub me the wrong way? At 16, my IQ was WAY above average. Twenty years ago. So, everything I've done in life, isn't through affirmitive action. But it was wondered, until I proved myself. Sad isn't it?
New York's MTA doesn't accept tokens. Why should I?
"To be against racism, one must take uncomfortable positions to remain consistant in standing against it in ALL it's varieties."
This comment gives me the impression that you think we're prejudice. Wow... YOU can look at a group of people and say they think alike b/c they don't want a "token".
It wasn't them. Not only are you NOT a token, your comments make you a bitch. Now if in your application you typed: "Do you want a bitch white boy" then I wouldn't have had a problem. You'd probably be in right now.
Oh, don't take offense. You asked and I'm answering partiaally. And if you think I'm prejudice, then peruse my favorites.
Jantasic and I chatted often in 2004-2005. She's a writer in Canada (if memory serves correctly). She had a daughter recently (3 years ago before I dropped off of AP.)
DrunkenRam is from Ohio. He's a contractor (I think). Real funny guy and I love chatting with him. His wife is Cara. He was in the Navy. I'm guessing he's 10 or 15 years older than me.
BadBill is one of the BEST poets on this site and I often recommend people read him. Why? I don't think anyone here understand poetry as well as he does.
I haven't invited any of them to join (I haven't invited ANYONE to join) but if they showed an interest in reading Claude Browne, Major Jackson or even Zane (who I hate) then I'd admit them instantly. Why? B/c I've read them and I have an idea of what's in their character.
Now if you'd like more, believe me, I can and will spill. One.
Dez
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The above reason is another good reason for people to avoid this group. I've never had, before or now, less than COMPLETE respect for Renee. I hope she has read this.
I spoke with nothing but respect, and you come at me with weak-ass adolescent personal attacks. What a cloud you cast over something that should have been a positive.
What a pitiful human you must be.
I would never belong to a group that excluded blacks, nor men, for that matter. I was clear. So, to your detriment, were you.
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Yes. I'm about as pititful and as childish as throwing a tantrum.
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Hmm... I thought of this group as an African-American support group focused on African-American education. The same education that is sooooo lacking in America.
The exclusivity of this group is directly related to the omission of African-American accomplishments and contributions to this country within the school curriculum through out the nation.
In short, I feel this is a cultural survival tactic to prevent the dilution of knowledge, information and African-American pride.
I will consider this unnecessary when equal representation is given and African-Americans are counted among the many who have lived, and died for the betterment of this country.
I have a great, great, grandfather who was the FIRST black officer in the US Army. His accomplishments included becoming an attorney, a senator and much earlier leading his wounded troops out of a bloody civil war battle. However, movies such as "Glory" have depicted him as a white officer where all the African-American soldiers died.
Even religion is not above prejudicial views of Blacks, depicting the Biblical characters of Africa and the Fertile Crescent as blonde, blue eyed, white, Anglo-Saxons.
Exclusivity appears to be acceptable as long as African-Americans do not do it. But this "club" is not proliferating lies, or speaking hate. It is attempting to fill in an education gap among African-Americans. We speak of Black issues from a Black perspective, Black authors, and Black events in history. We hold contests for that purpose.
Considering these goals I pose this question. What could some one who is not African-American contribute to this? As a male what contribution could I give towards the day to day issues that women go through? I may listen and read of them and learn but contribution on my part would be pure speculation at best!
Perhaps after issues have been identified and discussed among African-Americans, these issues could be shared and presented to other cultures to work towards a solution but first they need to be identified and discussed among those who are going through it.
John
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Rob,
I have Never, since I've been on this site promoted anything but good will to anyone here. Black, white, purple... If you truly know me, you know that about me.
I have however been called a "racist" on many occasions because I am rooted in my blackness and extremely proud of it. Every time hurtfully so because it was by people that I respected, and truly loved, and thought understood that my "Pro Black" stance had nothing to do with anything but identifying with my very own heritage.
I disagree with your "coming to me with respect Rob. You all but called me a "racist" with your comment.
If anyone read the Mission for this Group they would know that it is not a separatists group, it is not a militant group, it is a "LITERARY" group of African-American poets. There are no white members of the NAACP or the SCLC. There were no white writers for The Crisis Magazine, and many other Groups and Organizations in America. I am discouraged right now and would dismantle the Group but what purpose would that serve.
Rob the reason you could not join the WomenSupportGroup is because we would not allow you in. The Group is specifically designed for women, and deals with women's issues.
This Group is for African-American writers to heighten awareness regarding African-American writers.
What is happening here is unnecessary and yes...childish. My friend Albert is also a member here. He sent me a poem through the IM's that basically stated, "I cannot join your Group because I am white"? We discussed it like two adults. He respected my point of view, I respected his. We walk away with understanding and friendship intact.
This is disparaging and was never my intent. I really don't know what else to say and do not plan on being mediator. If you two want to duke it out, please do so in the IM's.
Much Love As Usual!
Renee
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Dez,
I understand your perspective and easily see where your protest stems from but I do not handle situations by calling people out of their names. That is not the way we find solutions to issues in my Groups. If you have a squabble with Rob and his calling this group a racist group Please take your issue to him through the personal IM's and duke it out there. This is not what I was looking for with this group. I love you and Rob but the two of you are creating a migraine for me with all this and I must look out for ME first in this situation. I did not organize this group for drama. I will open a theatrical Group for that.
Sigh
I am totally disappointed with something that I thought would be an excellent cultural exchange on this site.
Much Love As Usual to You Too!
Renee
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Thanks for the gold and congrats to all the winners. Thanks for hosting.
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Thank you for HM ~ congrats to the other winners!
Awesome contest. Thanks for hosting!
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