THE GREAT BLACK NORTH: Contemporary African Canadian Poetry.

Calgary, Alberta: : Frontenac House Poetry,, (2104). Fine in glossy illustrated wrappers.. 2nd printing. The "first national anthology to focus solely on poetry by African Canadians. . . the rest of the world may be unaware of the history of enslaved Africans and slave auctions north of the 49th parallel, as well as the free Blacks, Loyalists and Maroons who made their journeys to the 'promised land' of Canada. . a valuable resource for the preservation of culture that is written and/or performed as dub poetry, spoken word and slam, a poetic blend of literary and oral traditions that recognizes the past and present as they form a foundation for future generations of poets. Includes the work of over 90 poets working in many styles: the internationally honoured Africadian George Elliott Clarke; Ian Keteku, who was crowned the 2010 World Poetry Slam champion; Lillian Allen, founder of the dub poetry tradition in Canada; Afua Cooper, who brought to light the hanging of an enslaved African woman, Marie Joseph Anglique, for the alleged burning of Montreal in 1734" and many others including Lorna Goodison, Claire Harris and Olive Senior. Preface by Karina Vernon, and an introduction by George Elliott Clarke. Winner the 2014 Robert Kroetsch Poetry Award. Notes, biographical notes, 272 pp.