June Jordan Poems

June Jordan was a Jamaican American poet and teacher. Her writing explored gender, race, activism, and more. She was born in Harlem and died in 2002. She was inducted on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor. Some of her collections include Dry Victories, New Life, and Kimako’s Story.

Poem About My Rights

by June Jordan

‘Poem About My Rights’ by June Jordan is a one-stanza poem revealing a speaker’s thoughts on misogyny, sexism, and racism from their experience. It is celebrated for accurately portraying the struggles of women and men of color in a patriarchial and predominantly white society.

June Jordan is the poet of 'Poem About My Rights.' The poem itself is a reflection of her personal experiences, therefore she is strongly involved with this poem.

Even tonight and I need to take a walk and clear

my head about this poem about why I can’t

go out without changing my clothes my shoes

my body posture my gender identity my age

July 4, 1974

by June Jordan

‘July 4, 1974’ by June Jordan explores the birth of her son, something Jordan believes you are never ‘really prepare[d]’

June Jordan Poems

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