Celebrating Black History Month

February 23, 2021

North to FREEDOM

Historically Speaking

Us Peoples

Histrionically Affected

Without Dramatics or Emotions

Freedom Limited

Boundaries, laid as foundations

For Walls already erected

And fortified

Braving Ocean Voyages

Captive and Afraid

While others Litter the oceanic floor

Speared the life, off in the distance

Human Cargo

Displayed For Sale

Packaged and Transported

As Jim’s Crow flies

Pushing through

A life rendered Lifeless

Criminal and Inhumane

Awaiting Escape

Guided by Stars,

Secret routes, Underground

Safehouses, Sanctuaries, lantern lit

North to FREEDOM

Poem by Hayley Millington, UNE National Equity Representative for Racially Visible People

Hayley Millington is also suggesting a list of books and podcasts to explore during #BHM:

Best Reads

  1. Any known Blood by Lawrence Hill
  2. The Skin We’re in by Desmond Cole
  3. Policing Black Lives by Robyn Maynard 
  4. Black Writers Matter – University of Regina Press
  5. The Hanging of Angelique by Afua Cooper
  6. Frying Plantain by Zalika Benta
  7. The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill
  8. Shame on me by Tessa McWatt
  9. What We All Long For by Dionne Brand
  10. Brown Girl In the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson

Fave Podcasts

  1. Black Tea
  2. Colour Code
  3. Born and Raised
  4. The Secret Life of Canada
  5. Victory Speaks