Hanif Abdurraqib on the Lessons of June Jordan
Poet Hanif Abdurraqib explores how June Jordan’s work inspires radical community action through writing.
1Equitable Writing Spaces
Hanif Abdurraqib facilitates a monthly, voluntary poetry workshop for high school students in Columbus, Ohio. The group operates without hierarchy, treating every participant as a writer. By removing traditional academic barriers, these sessions allow teenagers to explore their creativity outside the rigid, rules-based structure of their standard school day environments.
2June Jordan's Philosophy
Abdurraqib draws heavily from the work of June Jordan, particularly her 1981 appearance at the Brockport Writers Forum. Jordan famously argued that life is defined by action, while inaction equates to death. This perspective drives Abdurraqib’s teaching, encouraging young writers to view poetry as a catalyst for real-world social change.
3Critique of Institutions
The author highlights a disconnect between academic institutions and their surrounding communities. He notes that schools often prioritize security measures, such as frisking students, over nurturing creative growth. By operating outside these systems, his workshops aim to turn perceived danger outward, empowering youth to become active participants in their own liberation.
4Poetry at Protests
Abdurraqib recalls hearing poems by Audre Lorde and June Jordan at public protests during his youth. These moments were significant because the readers were often activists, not professional poets. This demonstrated that poetry serves as a vital tool for community connection, reminding participants why they gathered to fight for social justice.
5Truth as Foundation
The core lesson of Jordan’s Poetry for the People is an unwavering commitment to truth. Abdurraqib emphasizes that principled action cannot be built upon falsehoods. Jordan provided detailed guidelines for critiquing poetry, yet she prioritized honesty above technical perfection, ensuring the work remained a vessel for genuine human experience and expression.
6Expanding the Canon
The book challenges traditional literary canons by validating the voices of non-traditional writers. By including workshop participants in the text, it asserts that anyone who writes a poem is a poet. This approach democratizes literature, suggesting that creative worth is not reserved for those with formal academic careers or publishing success.
7Intergenerational Responsibility
Abdurraqib begins his workshops by telling students he knows as much as they do, fostering a sense of mutual responsibility. This egalitarian approach is essential for building community care. He believes that by caring for each other as people first, writers can create more honest work that resonates within their local communities.
8The Central Dilemma
June Jordan remains a primary influence for Abdurraqib because she was deeply concerned with how to best care for people. Her work sought to provide the tools necessary for individuals to live and write honestly. This pursuit of collective well-being is the engine that powers her writing and her teaching legacy.
9Legacy of Radical Art
The work of June Jordan continues today in poetry slams and radical art spaces. Abdurraqib hopes that engaging with her writing will prompt readers to ask what moves them to action. Ultimately, the goal is to hold the written word as an accessible, equitable force that charges everyone with social responsibility.
Original article: Literary Hub — Hanif Abdurraqib on the Lessons of June Jordan