In this opening episode of the National Poetry Month series, We' explore how poetry has historically been one of the first spaces where truth is expressed—especially for Black writers navigating systems that resisted their voices.

From the Harlem Renaissance to today, this episode invites you to reflect on what it means to write honestly before the world is ready to receive it.

In The Inkwell:

• Academy of American Poets — National Poetry Month https://poets.org
• Poetry Foundation resources and events https://www.poetryfoundation.org
• Cave Canem Black poetry community