deeply rooted in the tradition of African American artistic

expression, these lyrical poems are prow~cative and revelatory.

They remind us that black poetry is not only a legitimate lit-

erary genre but that it is life as we have experienced it for generations

,and the challenges we still face. Okantah leads us to the rediscovery in

ourselves of a history we have always known"

--Naomi Long Madgett, Poet Laureate, City of Detroit

"Recomiecting Memories is a stirring collection of poems that highlight the communal links

iunong the people of the African Diaspora ,and addresses the pains and troubles of todayk soci-

ety. Okantah s strong and poignant words will reverberate inside your head as he reminds us

of our sorrowful past ,and of the ordeals of the present, in the section, "Poet s Lament; his

words have an urgency that exhorts society about its racism, injustices, and contemporary

issues. When he speaks of love in the section, "Black Love" his poems are touching and

bittersweet. It is in the section, "New Afreek,a"where he reconnects us to our roots mad shows

that the past holds promise for the future. This collection of poetry is a must-have for those

who appreciate well-crafted words that will reach deep into your heart, mind, and soul."

--Memphis Vaughan, Jr. Editor, Journey to TimBook Tu: An African American Poetric Odysso,/

TimBookTu.com

"The poems in Reconnecting Memories are taken from our ancestral tree. Okantah explores what

it means to be a black poet during hard times. The brother writes like the elder he is. There

is wisdom in his words and a love for Africa in his heart. These poems cry like the bilds we

"Reconnecting Memories challenges us to close generational divides, gn beneath the surface of

consumer culture, overturn the contradictions of American democracy and rediscover ourselves.

Finally, a poetry missive that bridges the gap between the Black Arts Movement and the

hip-hop explosion. Mwatabu Okantah is a clear voice, reminding us of the Black poetk

responsibility to rhyme and resist"

--Bakari Kitwana, Author, Ihe Hip-Hop Generation: Young Blacks and the Crisis in African

American Culture