TRENTON, New Jersey—The Trenton-based Grounds for Sculpture came alive as Def Poetry Jam delivered a stirring tribute to the legendary Sonia Sanchez, a pivotal figure in American poetry and social justice.
The event marked a significant moment in both Sánchez’s illustrious career and the ongoing celebration of the Schomburg Center’s centennial anniversary.
The evening unfolded with a series of deeply personal reflections, intimate readings, and evocative performances that held the audience spellbound. Ms. Sanchez, a 90-year-old poet laureate and one of the last living icons of the 1960s Black Arts Movement, has long been revered for her groundbreaking poetry and tireless activism.
The event, held June 12 titled “Wordssmith: A Def Poetry Reunion,” brought together luminaries of the spoken word scene and highlighted Ms. Sanchez’s profound influence on generations of poets and activists. From riveting performances to heartfelt panel discussions, the tribute was a testament to her enduring legacy.
The evening featured a panel discussion that included Danny Simmons, co-creator of Def Poetry Jam; Abiodun Oyewole, founding member of The Last Poets; and poet Jessica Care-Moore.
The evening was moderated by Tammi Lawson, curator of the Art and Artifacts Division at the Schomburg Center. Together, they reflected on the cultural power of Ms. Sanchez’s work and the broader role of poetry in driving social change.
Danny Simmons, brother of record executive and businessman Russell Simmons and Joseph “Run” Simmons of the legendary rap group Run-DMC, recounted his early introduction to spoken word poetry.
Inspired by The Last Poets, it ultimately led to the creation of Def Poetry Jam alongside figures like Jessica Care-Moore and Bruce George. Mr. Simmons shared with the audience how Sanchez’s powerful words and activism shaped the evolution of spoken word poetry into a platform that transcends race, class, and geography.
Abiodun Oyewole shared personal stories woven with recollections of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s influence and the profound impact of the civil rights movement on his work.
He painted a vivid picture of how poetry became a communal force during a time of deep racial strife, transitioning from individual expression to a collective tool for activism and unity.
“David Nelson and my brothers in The Last Poets symbolized that unity. It was poetry, Sonia’s poetry, that reminded us all of the power in coming together,” Oyewole reflected.
Tammi Lawson brought an additional layer of depth to the evening as she detailed Sanchez’s rich history with the Schomburg Center. “Sonia first walked through the doors of this iconic institution as a teenager, introduced to Black literary history by Mrs. Jean Blackwell Hudson,”
she shared. Ms. Lawson emphasized how Sonia Sanchez’s connection to the center continues to inspire countless visitors and artists.
The tribute wasn’t just a series of discussions; it was also a deeply artistic affair. A string quartet performed, weaving melodies that underscored the themes of unity and resilience present in Sanchez’s poetry.
Various poets took to the stage to perform their own pieces, creating a beautiful patchwork of spoken word and music. These performances highlighted Sanchez’s influence, demonstrating how her legacy endures in the voices of today’s poets.
Her works, steeped in the historical struggles and triumphs of Black America, continue to resonate powerfully in modern conversations around race, justice, and equality.
Sonia Sanchez’s role in the Black Arts Movement cemented her as a pillar of both poetry and social activism. Her unflinching voice captured the essence of a generation grappling with civil rights injustices, and her dedication has continued to inspire writers, musicians, and activists to this day.
Although unable to attend in person due to health challenges, the spirit of Sonia Sanchez, who turned 90 last September, made for an evening filled with reflection, poetry, and music all the more meaningful.
Dr. Brenda M. Greene, professor and executive director emeritus of the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY, honored Sonia Sanchez as a true “visionary,” “activist,” and “teacher.
She wrote as a part of the tribute: “… you embody it all. You are our woman warrior, a fearless spirit … . Yours is no small voice; you catch the fire with every word and every action. … Sister Sonia Sanchez!”