Selma, 1965

“Each Generation Must Discover Its Mission” by Gloria Larry House

This short poem illustrates House’s determination as a social justice and human rights activist. House states, “Perhaps you, in this time, have no words to utter / only the deep groan of longing” (Lines 10-11). This poem might clarify for the reader why House felt the need to leave Berkeley to support the 1960s' Civil Rights Movement and continue to support social justice for the rest of her life.

“Meridian, Miss., August, 1964” by Gloria Larry House

Like “Selma, 1965,” this poem is also named after a place in the south, Meridian, Mississippi, and a date: 1964. While darker than “Selma, 1965,” this poem paints an important image of what occurred in the South in the 1960s—namely, murder and brutality.

“A Wreath for Emmett Till” by Marilyn Nelson (2005)

Emmett Till, who was 14 at the time, was murdered in 1955. Till’s murder was a historic moment in history, helping mobilize the movement of the 1960s into action. Nelson’s narrative poem about Till before his death is haunting.

A Life Speaks edited by Nichole Christian (2019)

Put together by The Kresge Foundation following House’s award of the prestigious Kresge Eminent Artist award in 2019, A Life Speaks is an in-depth look into her life, poetic works, and her support of social justice movements and political activity.