What's Genocide

Carlos Andres Gomez is an INCREDIBLE spoken word artist whose work was only introduced to me a little over a year ago. Originally from New York, he is a two time National Poetry Slam finalist, the 2006 Toronto International Poetry Slam Champion , and the 2006 Slam King of New York award winner. Below is a piece that he performed titled What's Genocide and trust me it's amazing. The poem itself is incredibly powerful, but it is the performance that makes it all the more moving. Enjoy.

You can find the written poem here.

Black History Month

Yesterday was Groundhog Day. Did you remember? Probably not, because no one cares about Groundhog Day. It's one of those "holidays" ( I use this word loosely) that is completely useless. Don't you find it absolutely insane that their is an national day to watch a woodchuck go outside and observe whether or not it sees its shadow? I mean who needs weathermen when we have groundhogs? So in short, I really don't like Groundhog Day. But you know what I do like? Black History Month. And in honor of Black History Month this year, I'm going to do a few posts that include either people or pieces of work that have inspired me throughout my life. Today I'm including a piece by my favorite poet, Langston Hughes. It's one of his most famous (not to mention one of my favorite!) poems, titled I, Too Sing America. Enjoy.

I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.

Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.

Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--

I, too, am America.

Here is a great place to go if you're interested in reading more of his poems.