We’re talking, laughing, and learning this week with poet, educator, and movement worker Tongo Eisen-Martin. At the Dap Project, we believe the personal is political and the personal influences the political. This conversation with Tongo beautifully exemplifies these dynamics.
Born into a community steeped in the work of Black liberation, he’s always known dap, which is to say, he’s always known the struggle for, and celebration of “dignity and pride.” Rhonda crossed paths with Tongo for a minute when they were both undergrads at Columbia University.
Tongo’s published books of poetry include SOMEONE'S DEAD ALREADY, and Heaven is all Goodbyes, which won the American Book Award in 2018. He is currently the poet laureate of San Francisco.
This episode of the Dap Project is made possible by our friend, fellow Columbia Lion, Antonio Garcia. Thanks, Tone, for putting us in touch.
BlackFreighterPress.com
"Where the collective determines cultural reality"
OperationGhettoStorm.org
2012 Annual Report on the extrajudicial killing of 313 Black people by police, security guards and vigilantes
Poetry by Tongo Eisen-Martin:
Four Walls
https://youtu.be/h8l1zVxqPA4
Blood On The Fog
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMSovxtB_dP/?igshid=nm9tez1fq88c
