P oetry E ditor’s N ote
PART 2 TRIBUTE TO NTOZAKE SHANGE
By Angela Kinamore
It has been an honor and a pleasure to work on the second part of this
very special tribute to our beloved warrior sister, the legendary Ntozake
Shange. After announcing our intention to acknowledge Ntozake,
countless testimonies came pouring in from those who were impacted
and inspired, if not transformed by her work. The love really was
palpable. We’ve tried our best to capture the essence of the response and
heartfelt appreciation, as expressed throughout these pages.
Ntozake’s life has been representative of what it means to give 110%
to your work, to strive for excellence, and to be true to oneself. She’s
moved countless audiences from around the globe with her powerful
words, illuminating many of life’s challenges and stark realities. Her
poetic gems of healing words free our minds. She fulfilled her purpose
and encouraged others to do likewise by speaking their own truths.
Ntozake’s enlightening prose encourages: “rise up fallen fighters/
unfetter the stars/dance with the universe and make it ours.”
In this issue, we also celebrate the rich legacy of our esteemed linguistic
master, American novelist, book editor and college professor, Toni
Morrison. She too left a profound legacy of great works to the world.
Attending her historical memorial service on Nov. 21, 2019 at the
Cathedral of St. John the Divine, was an awe-inspiring experience that
neither Carolyn, our founder here at AV, nor I will forget.
We live in a time where there are many “giants” among us and it is
indeed a blessing. However, trailblazers Ntozake Shange and Toni
Morrison were exceptional souls, obviously on missions to complete
arduous work and be of service to others. They lived life to the fullest
and motivated others to do likewise. As ancestors, they are still among
us. It’s as if they are saying: “the time is now, and the turn is yours!”
Enjoy these expressions of love for these two great legends we were
fortunate enough to have among us.
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african Voices