What Is Anthropological Poetry?
SAPIENS’ poetry editor and inaugural poet-in-residence break down what makes certain poems anthropological and explore how poetry has the potential to transform ways of thinking and being in the world.
Predominantly White Institutions’ Overtures to Black Students OR This Is What They Tell You Without Telling You
A Black queer anthro-poet unveils the exploitative strategies of many predominantly White institutions that use BIPOC as a broom to sweep their racialized issues under the rug of "diversity."
I Carry My Grief With Me, but I Also Carry My Joy
The domino effect of anguish and loss unmoors, but a Black poet-anthropologist carries their joy as ritual—in the palms of their hands, soft, delicate.
Lead Me to Life: Voices of the African Diaspora
Through poetry and prose, anthropologists of the African diaspora unveil the echoes of the past in the present.
And You Watch as We Make Woodwater Again
SAPIENS Poet-in-Residence Justin D. Wright speaks to the elemental craft of Black survival, photosynthesis, and sweet tea making in an anti-Black racist society.
The Cookout (and All Other Manners of Heavenly Black Things)
An anthropologist's poem crafts a dream of freedom, peace, and joyous celebration for Black folks who have died as a result of anti-Black and anti-queer violence.
Hush-Hush, a Pale-Horse Cometh: Mirabilis Manducat
An anthropologist traces a lineage of plague, silence, anti-Black racism, white supremacy, and cities.
Siege
A Black anthropologist's poem speaks to anti-Blackness, white supremacy, police brutality and murder, and trans/queer hate and violence.
The National Lynching Memorial Speaks to My Black ’Bama Body OR Imma Be Here Forever, You Gon’ Remember This
A SAPIENS poetry contest winner immerses themself in a new memorial dedicated to the lynching of more than 4,400 people between 1877 and 1950 in the United States.
