11 Poems by Black Women That Hit Deep

Poems by Black Women that Hit Deep

Poetry and Black women are always a great mix, from the cadence of our voices when we perform poetry live, to the choice of words that Black women poets string together that make you yell, “run that back.”

Poetry is the highest form of writing (to me). I know some people reading this (who disagree) are clutching their pearls because I crowned one form of literary art over all others, but I have always felt like this. I am truly amazed every time I read poetry.

And when you add a Black woman poet to the pot… baby, we are doing more than cooking. There is something deeply spiritual when a Black woman recites her poetry. I am moved to tears, I feel seen, I feel loved, and most of all, I feel understood.

Here are 11 dope poems by Black women that will take you on multiple journeys…

My Ode to Black Girls by SURA Ali

SURA Ali came with all the smoke and a history lesson! Even though some of her words were hard to hear, they were necessary.

Cycles by Jasmine Mans

Jasmine Mans is a favorite of mine. Her words are soothing even when they bring sadness. I’ve seen her perform her poetry in person, and it’s an experience.

If I Never Get to Love You by Kira J

Now Kirah J, why are you making me smile with this poem knowing damn well we need to be busting the windows out his car lol. This poem was all heart and I absolutely loved it.

Healing by Nayo Jones

“Love will not heal me. But it will hold my hand if I ever heal myself.” Whew! Nayo Jones left me speechless and in tears with this poem. Poetry tends to do that, it can be so heavy at times that it makes you cry, all while saying, “wait, run that back.”

Healing by Aniyah Smith

Aniyah Smith put into words what so many can’t. There are so many people who don’t believe there is any reason to keep going, I hope they watch this video and know without a doubt that they are here for a reason and that it will get better.

Mothering Mirror by Free. K

Black mothers and their daughters will always hold a special place in my heart, not only am I a Black daughter, but I’m my mother’s oldest daughter. This poem was so deep, and while it was honest and for some mothers hard to hear, it still held a gentleness because, after all, Black girls love our mothers.

Black Girls Know Words, Too by Smiles

Smiles did not come to play, her name matches her energy when she hits the stage, you see her bright smile, but don’t let it fool you because sis is coming with some big words that will leave you speechless.

The first time I hated myself by Shay The Poet

Shay The Poet is a treasure, she tells the story of so many Black women and girls with this poem.

DEAR BLACK GIRL by Candace Nicholas-Lippman

Candace Nicholas-Lippman performed her poem on the show Good Trouble, and when I watched it for the first time, I had to rewind it and play it back. The entire performance was amazing… I love being a Black girl.

Go Black Girl by Alesha

Alesha had me upset and then crying by the end of her poem. The hardest part about being a Black woman is knowing that so many people overlook our humanity. And the best part about being a Black woman is knowing that there is always a Black woman rooting for you, understanding your plight, and loving you.

The Black Girl ABC’s by Mariam Dembélé

Mariam came out swinging; she took the entire ABCs on and made it her own. From the rhythm in her voice to her powerful words strung together so effortlessly, you forget her age, but by the end of her poem, you’re reminded.

Sistah Girls, let me know in the comments which one was your favorite…

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