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Black Roses

Odes Celebrating Powerful Black Women

Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

The poet and founder of the music collective Flowers for the Living pays tribute to all Black women by focusing on visionaries and leaders who are making history right now, including Ava DuVernay, Janelle Monae, Kamala Harris, Misty Copeland, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Robin Roberts, Roxane Gay, and Simone Biles—with this compilation of celebratory odes.

Black women are exceptional. To honor how Black women use their minds, talent, passion, and power to transform society, Harold Green began writing love letters in verse which he shared on his Instagram account. Balm for our troubled times, his tributes to visionaries and leaders quickly went viral and became a social media sensation. Now, in this remarkable collection, Green brings together many of these popular odes with never-before-seen works.

A timely celebration of contemporary Black figures who are making history and shaping our culture today, Black Roses is divided into five sections—advocates, curators, innovators, luminaries, trailblazers—reflecting the diversity of Black women's achievements and the depth of their reach. These inspiring changemakers are leaving their mark on the world by creating new beauty in their respective art forms, heading movements, fighting for equality and to change the status quo, and championing new definitions of what's possible in every meaningful way. Green lifts them up to create meaningful connections between these figures and our own lives and experiences.

Black Roses spotlights and urges readers to learn more about Allyson Felix, Angelica Ross, Ava DuVernay, Bisa Butler, Bozoma Saint John, Charisma Sweat-Green, Dr. Eve Ewing, Dr. Janice Jackson, Dr. Johnnetta Cole, Eunique Jones-Gibson, Issa Rae, Janelle Monae, Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Matthews, Kamala Harris, Keisha Bottoms, Kimberly Bryant, Kimberly Drew, Lisa Green, Lizzo, Mandilyn Graham, Mellody Hobson, Michelle Alexander, Misty Copeland, Naomi Beckwith, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Phylicia Rashad, Rapsody, Raquel Willis, Robin Roberts, Roxane Gay, Shellye Archambeau, Simone Biles, Stacey Abrams, Tabitha Brown, Tamika Mallory, Tarana Burke, Tasha Bell, Tomi Adeyemi, and Tracee Ellis Ross.

The audiobook edition of Black Roses also includes an exclusive interview between Green and his mother about the making of the collection.

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    • AudioFile Magazine
      This exceptional listening experience features tributes to 40 incredible Black women. Poet Harold Green's narration matches the passion, eloquence, and breadth of knowledge that he infuses into each of his powerful odes. Green shares his own motivation and influences, and also emphasizes the importance of the affirmation, appreciation, and emotional equity given to the wide range of Black women he features. Some are already household names, and others may be less well known. Each selection is part tribute and part invitation from Green to learn more about the women featured. Particularly moving are the odes to writer Raquel Willis, civil rights activist Michelle Alexander, athlete Allyson Felix, former Congresswoman and writer Stacey Abrams, and photographer Eunique Jones Gibson. A quick, engaging, and inspiring listen. K.S.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
    • Library Journal

      Starred review from August 1, 2022

      Green, winner of the Carl Sandburg Literary Award for his self-published debut poetry collection From Englewood, with Love, has created a towering new work of poetry honoring celebrity and everyday Black women who often get little recognition. The book is dedicated to his grandmother, who suggests, "Give me flowers when I can still smell them." Each ode captures the spirit of the woman. In the rousing "Stacey Speaks," Green marvels at Abrams turning complex ideas into ballet and working until she fixes the U.S.'s broken system. In "Misty's Emancipation," Green's warmth focuses on Copeland, a Black ballerina with the burden of being among the first, yet demonstrating what an overcomer looks like. In "Kimberly's Language," Green's academic voice introduces translator Bryant, who proves the more languages you know, the more powerful you are. "Jennifer's Song" emotionally reflects on Hudson, an American Idol with the heart of a survivor. You give like you know what it's like not to have. The delightful Q&A is hosted by Green's mother, Lisa. VERDICT Green's writing and narration make poetry accessible to everyone.--Susan G. Baird

      Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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