A Final Blues Song for the Great African American Writer AMIRI BARAKA (1934-2014)

This is just my little homage t o one of the writers who have  inspired me and I admire the most. A very controversial but always vibrant human being committed to his community and social change.  Poet, Essayist , Playwright, Musician, Social Activist, Professor… Rest in peace wherever you are and thank you so much for having enriched and given a special sense to my personal and academic life.

Amiri Barka was one of the founders and main leadeers of the Black Arts Movement at the time of the Black Power Movement during the 1960s:

 Amiri Baraka was described by the FBI as ‘the person  who will probably emerge as the leader of the pan-African movement in the United States’. ( Photograph: Julian C. Wilson/AP – from The Guardian, 10 January 2014)

“Amiri Baraka and the black power movement deserve more  credit - It wasn’t just militancy. The black power movement acutely questioned American society’s failures, and still inspires today“ - The Guardian, Friday 10 January 2014, by DANIEL MATLIN

   Photo: Amiri Baraka. from World Socialist Web Site, 18 January 2014)

Following there is a selection of various articles appeared in the newspapers after his death on January 9, 2014.

• “Newark honors Amiri Baraka as son seeks to carry on his legacy – PolitickerNJ -January 19, 2014 – By MARK BONAMO
• “Thousands gather in Newark, N.J., to commemorate the life of the poet and playwright.” January 18, 2014 –  By PENIEL E. JOSEPH. 
• OBITUARY - JANUARY 21, 2014 – “Cory Booker Never Spoke for Newark Like Amiri Baraka Did” by  JELANI COBB  (A very complete overview of Baraka’s life) 
• “Amiri Baraka (1934-2014): Poet, playwright, black nationalist” – 18 January 2014, by Fred Mazelis (A good overview on Baraka)

•  “ Amiri Baraka, incómoda figura de la cultura afro –  El polémico escritor y activista impulsó en la década de los sesenta un movimiento para reivindicar la raza en América”, El País, 10 enero 2014,  MIREIA SENTÍS
• “Africa: Amiri Baraka Has Died – Long Live Amiri Baraka!” 15 January 2014 – by ANTHONY MONTEIRO.