Black Poetry Day

Categories:: Arts & Entertainment
Tags:: American Cultural Historical
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every October 17
Holiday emoji:: ✍️

Black Poetry Day, observed every October 17, celebrates the profound contributions of African American poets throughout history. This day recognizes their powerful voices, unique perspectives, and the rich literary heritage they’ve shaped. Discover new works, revisit classics, and share your favorite verses to amplify these vital stories.

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Expected Black Poetry Day Deals

Black Poetry Day offers a chance to support Black authors and publishers. Look for special promotions from independent bookstores like MahoganyBooks and Eso Won Books, which often highlight works by Black poets. Major retailers such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon may feature curated collections or discounts on poetry anthologies. Educational platforms like Poets.org and Poetry Foundation will likely offer free resources, readings, and online events. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October 17 approaches.

Platform Guide for Black Poetry Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BlackPoetryDay. Share visually appealing quotes from Black poets or photos of your favorite poetry books.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #BlackPoetryDay. Tweet short excerpts, discuss influential poets, or share links to online readings.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BlackPoetryDay. Host a live discussion about a specific Black poet or share a video of a poetry reading.

Black Poetry Day Hero

Jupiter Hammon

Jupiter Hammon (1711–c. 1806) was the first African American writer to be published in the United States. Born enslaved on Long Island, New York, his first poem, 'An Evening Thought. Salvation by Christ, with Penitential Cries,' was published in 1761. His work laid foundational stones for African American literature, reflecting his deep religious faith and experiences.

History of Black Poetry Day

In 1970, a folk musician, Stanley A. Ransom, proposed that October 17 be set aside as a day to celebrate black culture and literature. Black Poetry Day was created in 1985 to honor the birth of the pioneer Black poet in the United States, Jupiter Hammon, and call attention to the literary works and accomplishments of African-American writers.

Hammon was born during the time of slavery on October 17, 1711, at the Lloyd Manor in Long Island. His masters, The Lloyds, allowed him to receive some education through the Anglican Church’s Society for The Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. Hammon took advantage of this education and created poetry that was supported with layered metaphors and symbols. In 1761, when he was nearly 50, Jupiter Hammon published his first poem called “An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ with Penitential Cries.” As a respected preacher and clerk, his poems about slavery received wide circulation. Eighteen years after his first poem was published, Jupiter Hammon got a second poem published, “An Address to Miss Phillis Wheatley.” Wheatley was the first published black female author and Jupiter Hammon admired her and encouraged her with a dedication poem.

Hammon recognized the need to support and encourage other black writers like himself, especially at a time where black writers rarely received the support their white counterparts did. Today, there are thousands of talented black poets around the world writing about both the shared black experience and their own unique experiences through different forms including written poetry, rap, and spoken-word poetry. While Black Poetry Day is celebrated throughout the United States, Oregon is the only state to designate it as a state holiday.

Black Poetry Day timeline

October 17, 1711

Jupiter Hammon is Born

Jupiter Hammon is born as a slave in Long Island in the United States on October 17, 1711.

1746

First-Known Poem by a Black Poet

Lucy Terry’s “Bar Fight” is the first known poem written by a black poet, published in 1855.

1761

Jupiter Hammon’s Poem is Published

Jupiter Hammon’s poem “An Evening Thought” becomes the first published poem by a Black American

1770–1773

Phillis Wheatley Emerges

In 1770, Philis Wheatly publishes her first poem and, three years later, a volume of verses.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Black Poetry Day

Local bookstores can host open mic nights featuring Black poets or organize reading groups focused on their works. Coffee shops and cafes might display quotes from prominent Black poets, creating a thoughtful atmosphere. Schools and libraries can organize special events, workshops, or exhibits that highlight the history and impact of Black poetry, encouraging community engagement and literary appreciation.

Black Poetry Day FAQs

When is Black Poetry Day?

Black Poetry Day 2026 falls on Saturday, October 17. This annual observance is dedicated to recognizing the rich contributions of African American poets throughout history.

Who is the 'father of African American literature'?

Jupiter Hammon, born in 1711, is widely regarded as the ‘father of African American literature.’ He was the first Black poet published in the United States, with his work appearing in 1761.

How many Black poets have won the Pulitzer Prize?

As of 2026, several distinguished Black poets have been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, including Gwendolyn Brooks, Rita Dove, Yusef Komunyakaa, and Tracy K. Smith, among others, recognizing their exceptional contributions to American letters.

What is the significance of Black Poetry Day?

Black Poetry Day is significant for celebrating the black experience as retold in poetry and recognizing the invaluable contributions of African American poets. It’s a day to explore their unique perspectives and literary artistry.

Black Poetry Day Activities

Support a Black poet
What better day to support the many talented black poets around you than on Black Poetry Day? Pick up the works of a new black poet. Share your favorite poetry from African American writers. Donate to a black literary magazine.
Host a poetry reading
Allow people to discover underrated black poets by organizing a poetry reading or poetry slam and inviting everyone you know.
Attend a predominantly black poetry slam
If you can’t organize a poetry slam, you can certainly attend one. Diversify your reading and learn more about the black experience and heritage by attending a poetry slam with predominantly black headliners.

5 Black Poets Whose Works You Need To Read

Paul Laurence Dunbar
Paul Dunbar was one of the first black poets to gain national recognition in America and had already published some of his poems by the age of 14 — you might have once heard or read the opening line of one of his most famous poems called “Sympathy”: I know what the caged bird feels, alas!
Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes is one of the fathers of the literary art form called jazz poetry — he wrote his first piece of jazz poetry, “When Sue Wears Red,” while he was still in high school.
Gwendolyn Brooks
Gwendolyn Brooks was the first African-American ever to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, for her poetry book “Annie Allen,” where she speaks about the life of an African-American girl growing to adulthood.
Alice Walker
You probably know Alice Walker from her Pulitzer-winning novel, “The Color Purple” but Walker isn’t just a brilliant novelist; she is also a striking poet, whose works often comment on some of the experiences of black women.
Maya Angelou
Angelou uses her captivating poetry to kickstart conversations on race, sex, oppression, and loss — her most famous poem is “On The Pulse of Morning,” which she recited at the U.S. President Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993.

Why We Love Black Poetry Day

We discover new poets
Discovering a talented new poet is always an exciting prospect. There is no better day for you to discover fresh new poets and poetry than on Black Poetry Day.
We hear different voices
The key to a balanced worldview is to listen to different voices. Black Poetry Day highlights diverse new voices to tell different stories than the ones we experience in our own lives.
It celebrates historically marginalized voices
Black people are a historically marginalized group. When white writers were gaining global success, many black people were being flogged for simply learning to read or write in English whenever they could. Black Poetry Day allows us to celebrate the resilience of Black poets and recognize the achievements of Black writers around the world.