“Those who love comics will surely love Graphic Gwendolyn, an exciting new illustrated poetry series,” says the spokesperson for BROOKS PERMISSIONS. “The series features the work of poet Gwendolyn Brooks in an exciting comic format.Fans of comics and literature, ages 10 to 100, are sure to connect with the Graphic Gwendolyn series that offers glimpses of life portrayed vividly through the words of one of the greatest American poets with images from talented illustrators.”
Two works of the famed poet are featured in the first issue. One poem, Tommy, is about the life of a young boy and his discoveries about life. The other poem by Gwendolyn Brooks, “The Boy Died In My Alley” is the sadly familiar story of the loss of a young Black man. “The shot that killed him, yes, I heard / as I heard the thousand shots before; / careening tinnily down the nights / across my years and arteries.”
The Two Boys issue of the Graphic Gwendolyn series is relevant to today’s times as incidents of homicide are high even in modern times. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016, the leading cause of death in Black youth ages 1 to 19 is homicide at 35.2 percent. The question that arises is – are these really two different boys or are they one young man facing a tragic end.
One of the tallest African American writers, Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000), was one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. She was the first Black person to ever win the Pulitzer Prize in any category. She was the Poet Laureate of Illinois for more than 30 years and the Poetry Consultant to the Library of Congress.
The words of Gwendolyn Brooks validate the experiences of many people and also provide new insight into her work. With her powerful Black literature, Brooks focused primarily on urban Black experiences. Her works also addressed other social and global issues that were important during her time and relevant even today.
Graphic Gwendolyn is proof that the renowned poet has continuing relevance in today’s world.
Media Contact
Company Name: Brooks Permissions
Contact Person: Cynthia A. Walls
Email:Send Email
Phone: 7733244844
Address:P. O. Box 19355
City: Chicago
State: IL
Country: United States
Website: www.gwendolynbrooks.net
