New Releases by Tony Medina

Celebrating the centenary of the birth of the trailblazing African American author, Encounters with James Baldwin is a wide-ranging volume of short essays, reflections, interviews and poetry. This moving collection demonstrates the significant legacy of the writer and activist who spoke truth to power during the era of the fight for Black civil liberties in the US, and after. In this literary anthology, over 30 contributors reveal the influence of Baldwin’s thought, speech and writing to their personal journeys and their awareness of the need for social justice. Stella Dadzie was born in 1952 in London, United Kingdom. She co-founded the Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent (OWAAD), which worked relentlessly between 1978 and 1982 to challenge the predominantly white domination of the feminist and women’s liberation movements of that era. Additionally, her work extended beyond the written word into practical action, contributing to the enrichment of curriculums and development of anti-racist strategies in educational and youth services. “... the words of this remarkable collection are breath blown back to our beloved ancestor James Baldwin, and he to them, to us: air we breathe, air we need, for these troubled times.” — Kevin Powell – GRAMMY-nominated poet and activist “From reflective pieces, interviews, essays, and poetic interventions, Encounters with James Baldwin confirms the enduring resonance of the life and work of James Baldwin across the globe. This is an important text for readers eager to consider the expansive legacy of arguably the most piercing and committed author and critic of the last century.” — Rich Blint, writer and critic

A biography in verse of reggae legend Bob Marley, exploring the influences that shaped his life and music on his journey from rural Jamaican childhood to international superstardom.

A picture book that celebrates the rich and complex lives of black boys and men.

The Hate U Give meets The Lovely Bones in this unflinching graphic novel about the afterlife of a young man killed by an off-duty police officer, co-illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist John Jennings.

BROKE BAROQUE is the third in a series of Broke Books by award-winning poet, Tony Medina. Centered on Medina’s iconic everyman, Broke, a character that bears witness to his plight of homelessness in a humorous yet profound way. BROKE BAROQUE contains poetry peppered with images articulating Broke’s erratic experiences on the streets of Any City, USA. Through tall tales, anecdotes, episodes, rants and jokes, Broke eloquently and irreverently conveys his marginalization in a grossly unaccommodating society. With his trademark absurd and caustic wit, Medina portrays Broke’s anger, fear, humility, and resolve with humor, insight and compassion, bringing moments of levity and hopefulness to Broke’s plight. Funny and perversely sharp, whimsical and impassioned, BROKE BAROQUE is compulsively readable and will connect with any book and poetry lover alike. With a powerful introduction by McArthur-winner Ishmael Reed.

Tony Medina''s latest collection of poetry is satirical and surprising commentary on contemporary issues facing young and old alike. His mastery of language, imagery, conversation, and voice permeates each and every selection within this 100-plus page volume. The Caribbean writer and novelist Jan Carew shares the following: "The poetry . . . is complex. It strips the street to its simplest common denominator of survival and tears off layer upon layer of stark realism."

Poems.

Poetry. African American Studies. BROKE ON ICE is a nonlinear narrative in verse in the voice of a homeless everyman named Broke, talking about his existence and life experiences through conversational poems, tall tales, anecdotes, episodes, and jokes, much like that of Langston Hughes''s Simple. Broke is also in the tradition of Charlie Chaplin''s Tramp, as well as Nicanor Parra''s Christ of Elqui, Zbigniew Herbert''s Mr. Cogito and Richard Pryor''s Mudbone, where these everyman personas critique modern society through satire, humor, irony and pathos. As poet Kelly Norman Ellis puts it, "Broke is an unflinching well of humanity who reminds us of the wicked wink inside the blues."

"In this volume, Tony Medina takes readers into the world of children who are speaking from the heart and want Santa to bring them real answers and practical solutions to the issues that they face daily."--Cover back.

A young African American boy reflects on the spirit of Christmas and thinks of ways he can behave in more caring ways and share what he has with others.

This book explodes the bourgeois self-indulgence of American culture to give a lambasting critique of its current global ultra-exploration and political repression.

A series of poems written from the point of view of the poet Langston Hughes, offering an overview of key events and themes in his life. Includes notes to each poem with the poet''s life stories.

Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. This book is made up of reflections of ten year-old DeShawn as he thinks about his family, his life in the projects and the world around him. Medina''s poetry is immediately accessible to young readers and he sketches a world filled with learning, love, fear, joy and loss'' - Black Issues Book Review ''Christie''s exceptionally fine acrylic paintings capture both the physical and emotional nature of DeShawn...to get right to the heart of the character'' - CCBC, Book of the Week''

A Cross-Generational Anthology of Contemporary African-American Poetry

Poetry. SERMONS FROM THE SMELL OF A CARCASS CONDEMNED TO BEGGING is a long poem, consisting of 96 sermons in the voice of a homeless persona or everyman named Broke. It is the first in a series, which includes PICTURES OF BROKE and BROKE ON ICE. Broke is in the tradition of Langston Hughes'' Simple and Charlie Chaplin''s Tramp, as well as Nicanor Parra''s Christ of Elqui and Zbigniew Herbert''s Mr. Cognito. (Author''s Note) Those that murder me / say that I''m responsible / for my falling hair / for my lack of air / I''m responsible / for my ribs / caving in / for my tongue / drying out for the stars / that stain / about my eyes / that can''t even / vomit tears (Broke Mirror Image). Tony Medina is the author of ERGE & See, NO NOOSE IS GOOD NOOSE, and co-editor (with S.E. Anderson) of the award-winning anthology IN DEFENSE OF MUMIA. Born in the South Bronx, he currently lives in Langston Hughes and Malcolm X''s Harlem, and is a professor of English.