Furious Flower II: The Black Poetic Tradition
180 minutes, 2005, US
This 3-part volume provides the definitive teaching tool for exploring the world of today's Black poetry. Providing a more focused, ambitious approach than its 1998 predecessor, Furious Flower II presents outstanding critical scholarship on Black contemporary poetry's origins and trends, its conflicts and consonances. Throughout, notable authors share insights and offer inspiration to fledgling poets about the creative process, and about daily life as a published writer.
Interspersed with these critical conversations are impassioned readings of the most representative poems of each poet. Viewers can watch as one of America's most exciting cultural movements evolves before their eyes and ears.
Video Volume One - Roots and First Fruits (60 min) discusses the major influences shaping the creative origins, poetic voice and stylistic approach of these poets. Significant influences include regional language, historic context, geographic location, personal passions and political commitment.
*Houston A. Baker, Jr.
*Nikky Finney
*Askia Touré
*Rita Dove
*Major Jackson
*Lucille Clifton
Video Volume Two - Cross-pollination in the Diaspora (60 min) reflects upon the reciprocal influence between Black American poets and writers from the rest of the African literary Diaspora.
*Velma Pollard
*Kwame Dawes
*Brenda Marie Osbey
*Haki Madhubuti
*Elizabeth Alexander
*Yusef Komunyakaa
Video Volume Three - Blooming in the Whirlwind (60 min) locates Black poets within their historic moment and contextualizes them within relevant political movements - Civil Rights, Black Nationalism, post-colonialism and multiculturalism.
*Amiri Baraka
*Marilyn Nelson
*Sharan Strange
*Kevin Young
*Cornelius Eady
*Tony Medina
*Sonia Sanchez
"The time cracks into furious flower
Lifts its face all unashamed
And sways in wicked grace..."
"This is the urgency: Live!
and have your blooming in the noise of the whirlwind."
- Gwendolyn Brooks, The Second Sermon on the Warpland
Furious Flower Poetry Center
Cave Canem Black Poetry Center
Poetry Primer: Academy of American Poets
Poetry in the movies: Academy of American Poets
Ways to Watch
Educational Streaming
Colleges, Universities, Government Agencies, Hospitals and Corporations.
Community Screening
Short-term use for small groups, organizations, or high school classes (under 100 participants, where no admission is charged).
Home Viewing
48-hour, personal rental for in-home use only, restrictions apply