Books
"There are too few of us left: poets who rise without fear against white storms and hurricanes. I can count them on one hand. Those elder African-centered poets who have not lost memory, message, creativity, nerve, or productivity; yet possess a musical voice that renders them wise in the tradition of Sterling A. Brown, Margaret Walker, Claude McKay and Sarah Webster Fabio.... [His work] consists of poems driven by a deep knowledge of history and culture, with an acute insight into the damaged psychology of his people existing under extreme lock-down conditions...."
--Haki R. Madhubuti, Poet and Publisher,
Third World Press
"[His poetry] challenges us to close generational divides, go beneath the surface of consumer culture, overturn the contradictions of American democracy and rediscover ourselves. Finally, a poetry ... that bridges the gap between the Black Arts Movement and the hip hop explosion. Mwatabu Okantah is a clear voice, reminding us of the Black poet's responsibility to rhyme AND resist."
--Bakari Kitwana, Author,
The Hip-Hop Generation
NEW BY
EDUARD
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Fueled with Muntu energy, Okantah's poetry speaks truth to power. As powerful acts of personal and cultural soul-retrieval, his poems give voice to ancestral silence--they incant, scat, and sing, reclaiming memory. Muntu Kuntu Energy embodies his life work and testifies to his important role as a New World African Griot. We need his phoenix words and sorrow songs--potent medicine in these still troubled times.
--David Hassler, Director, Wick Poetry Center at Kent State University
"I'm glad to see ... that some of the old spirit of our people ... is still alive in [his] poetry."
--Gwendolyn Brooks, Poet
"In these times when we are stuck listening to the lies of leaders at home and abroad, Okantah's poetry follows Mari Evans' orders to, 'Speak the truth to the people/Talk sense to the people/Free them with honesty...."
--Diane Kendig, Poet,
Prison Terms
"I have known Professor Okantah for more than twenty-five years and remember his legendary artistry in literature that makes him a household name ... in Cleveland, at Kent State, and throughout the country because of the smoothness of his poetry, the power of his teaching, and communal and collegial spirit that made him a favorite professor for many students and in the department....
--Dr. Molefi Asante, Professor and Chair
Department of Africology and American Studies
Temple University
