POETIC BIRTHDAY

***A REMEMBRANCE CELEBRATION FROM NOVEMBER 13TH

Wanda Coleman was born on this day in 1946, in Los Angeles, California (Watts). She was a poet, writer, journalist, and spoken-word performer.

As a child she was encouraged to read by her parents and as a consequence, she developed a passion for books. She began writing and publishing poetry at a very early age.

She also had a love for the visual arts, theater, and public speaking.

Anger, unhappiness, hate and violence was a vital part of her writing and poetry readings. She was known as a dramatic public performer, with a "take no prisoners" attitude, and  was unapologetic about the stance she took.

Wanda Coleman was dubbed, "The LA Blueswoman," and as a result of being a compelling force on the L.A. poetry scene, she became known as the "unofficial" Poet Laureate of Los Angeles.

Over the years she won numerous awards and fellowships. Her book of poetry, "Mercurochrome," was nominated for the 2001 National Book Award, and was one of the finalists, winning a bronze medal.

Her poetry and writing was devoted to the themes of racism, the female experience and growing up in the city she loved, L.A. (Watts), California.

Wanda Coleman passed on to the realm of the ancestors on November 22, 2013.

TO READ A COMPREHENSIVE BIO, AND SAMPLE HER POETRY, CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINKS:

poetryfoundation.org, poets.org,  afropoets.net, AND poemhunters.com