June 25th 2024.
Jasmine Mans, a talented poet, has made an impressive mark in both the literary and commercial worlds with her latest poetry collection "Black Girl, Call Home," released in 2021. As the inaugural resident poet at Express Newark, Mans will be showcasing her artistry in a two-night poetry performance on June 27 and 28. This event is supported by New Arts Justice, a public arts initiative founded by the esteemed Rutgers-Newark Professor Salamishah Tillet in 2018. According to Rutgers News, Mans' collection, published by Berkley - Random House, delves into her queer Black identity, her Newark roots, and the intricate dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship.
Through her poems in "Black Girl, Call Home," Mans delves into her relationship with her own mother, exploring the challenges and complexities of their bond during her adolescence. Her work is heavily influenced by her upbringing in Newark's South Ward, where her great-grandparents settled in the 1920s after migrating from Georgia. Mans shares, "As a Black woman, you're taught to believe there's something wrong with yourself, and if you're from the so-called hood, to think there's something wrong with where you grew up. But even though I don't come from a place of financial wealth, I inherited a sense of music, style, and food. My family is rich in love and culture."
In a tribute to Newark's literary icon, LeRoi Jones, who later became known as Amiri Baraka, Mans has created a poetic piece inspired by his seminal work "Blues People," published in 1963. This tribute has become the cornerstone of the exhibition at Express Newark. Building on this foundation, Mans has embarked on a creative journey with the institution, releasing a series of bi-weekly videos showcasing her latest compositions. Her upcoming performances at Express Newark promise to be a rich exploration, delving deeper into the cultural tapestry woven by Baraka's "Blues People."
As the artist-in-residence at Express Newark, Mans has created "Daughter," a powerful piece that delves into themes of voice, memory, and reclamation, accompanied by a live band. She shares, "It's a big deal to be the only poet in this space...writing to build out a show and a portfolio of poetry that represents not only 'Blues People,' but also the people of Newark."
Looking towards the future, Mans is already preparing for her next poetry collection, set to be released in 2026. She is also editing a coffee table book titled "Buy Weed From Women," set to be published by Penguin Random House in 2026. This project celebrates the roles of women in the cannabis industry, from farmers and entrepreneurs to those navigating the intersection of profit and criminality.
In a related story, two graduates from Prairie View A&M University are using their passion for poetry and education to reach youth in Houston. Through their work, they hope to inspire and uplift the next generation through the power of words and education.
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