Black Arts Movement

1960s-1970s

The Black Arts Movement (BAM) is the artistic branch of the Black Power Movement. It started in Harlem by Amiri Baraka. It was one of the most controversial moments in the history of African American literature. The movement was triggered by the assassination of Malcolm X (an African American Muslim minister and human rights activist). Artists within the movement looked to create politically engaging work that considered the African American culture and historical events.

Characteristics:

Poems built around:

-       Anthems

-       Chants

-       Political slogans

Used in organizing work

Intent:

-       Awaken black people to the meaning of their lives

 Major Themes:

Black Power
Liberation

Styles:

Vernacular dialogues

Employment of Lit Devices:

Authors:

Amiri Baraka

Gwendolyn Brooks

Nikki Giovanni

Gill-Scott Heron

Etheridge Knight

Poem:

Preface to a Twenty Volume Suicide Note by Amiri Baraka

Amiri Baraka

Lately, I've become accustomed to the way


The ground opens up and envelopes me


Each time I go out to walk the dog.


Or the broad edged silly music the wind


Makes when I run for a bus...



Things have come to that.



And now, each night I count the stars.


And each night I get the same number.


And when they will not come to be counted,


I count the holes they leave.



Nobody sings anymore.



And then last night I tiptoed up


To my daughter's room and heard her


Talking to someone, and when I opened


The door, there was no one there...


Only she on her knees, peeking into



Her own clasped hands