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.

For use in schools and libraries only. Alfonso can''t wait to play the role of Hamlet in his school''s hip-hop rendition of the classic play. But as he is buying his first suit, an off-duty police officer misatkes a clothes hanger for a gun and shoots Alfoso. When Alfonso wakes up in the afterlife, he''s on a ghost train guided by well-known victims of police shootings, who teach him what he needs to know about this subterranean spiritual world. Meanwhile, Alfonso''s family and friends struggle with their grief and seek justice for Alfonso in the streets.

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.

If, indeed, it''s a "woman''s right to choose," then what happens to the man''s right? Chubert Davis is quite a charismatic, highly intelligent, and gregarious twenty-something that is adored and respected by everyone with whom he comes in contact. He shares a deep bond of friendship with several other career-minded young adults and those bonds are rock solid. That is until he learns that his girlfriend is pregnant, and the issue of abortion forces them to come to terms with what they truly believe in and their own self-worth. But life is strange. Often times there are issues that are so important that it''s not just the individuals who are directly involved who are affected. Many others who love them also find themselves questioning each other''s morality and their own ethics as well. A Man''s Wrong to Choose? is a gripping and unusual account of the repercussions of an unplanned pregnancy. You may even find yourself exploring the depth of your own relationships and belief systems with family, friends, and God. Whether male or female and no matter what your position is on the right to choose or anything related to unwed pregnancy, you''re sure to be riveted by the spellbinding story of these young adults as they struggle with their personal beliefs and heart-wrenching decisions. This book is a must read for those who have made the crucial mistake of having unprotected sex and face the potential of lifelong consequences as a result.

"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