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Truth is Stranger than Fiction

poem

February 23, 2026

Ain’t No Red Carpet for the Prophet

We quote Martin with a rhythm that swells the chest. Malcolm’s words hum with power. Assata’s taste like survival. Garvey’s comes out like a storm breaking over the sea. Lumumba’s booms like djembe drums. Angela’s words convince the tongue it is brave. But no one applauds the silence that follows a truth told too clearly… Continue reading

Poetry

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April 18, 2025

Echoes of Influence

I love Maya Angelou’s poetry, but it is not what drew me to her. What drew me to Angelou first was her story. When I read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and discovered she had also written other collections of autobiographies, I was delighted by her strength and how it came out in… Continue reading

Articles, creative writing

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February 6, 2025

Yecheilyah’s 7th Annual Poetry Contest Spotlight: Deep Thought the Lyricist

Today, we are spotlighting the winners of our 2024 poetry contest! Next is Arsenio Sorrell, better known in these poetic streets as Deep Thought the Lyricist! I met Deep on Clubhouse back when we were in these COVID trenches, and after hearing him speak, I followed him and some other dope poets on Instagram. About… Continue reading

Articles, creative writing, Poetry

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February 2, 2025

Yecheilyah’s 7th Annual Poetry Contest Spotlight: Dondi Springer

Today, we continue spotlighting the winners of our 2024 poetry contest! Next up is my good brother, Dondi Springer! D.A. Springer walks between worlds as a poet-philosopher and visionary, weaving introspective verse and transformative wisdom into a tapestry of awakening. As a creator, D.A. Springer crafts portals of possibility where personal revelation meets universal truth.… Continue reading

Articles, creative writing, Poetry

blog, blogger, competition, contest, deadline, national poetry contest, poem, poet, poetry, poetry community, poetry contest, study, time, wordpress, writing, Yecheilyah’s 7th Annual Poetry Contest
January 22, 2025

Why Self-Publishing Poetry is Different From Other Books

Publishing a poetry collection differs from publishing a novel or nonfiction book. One main reason is the editing; poets must pay special attention to this. When looking for an editor for our poetry collections, we must ensure they know how poems work. Some poems, for example, are not intended to be grammatically correct. They might… Continue reading

self-publishing

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January 21, 2025

Yecheilyah’s 7th Annual Poetry Contest Spotlight: Trevita Johnson

Today, we are kicking off our spotlight series of the winners of our 2024 poetry contest! First up is our first place winner, Trevita Johnson! I have known Trevita for years but did not know she was a poet! Her poem “Her Journey to Joy” inspired and spoke to our hearts. It stayed true to… Continue reading

Poetry

blog, blogger, First Place, Grand Prize, national poetry contest, poem, poet, poetry, poetry community, poetry contest, study, winner, wordpress, writing, Yecheilyah’s 7th Annual Poetry Contest
January 2, 2025

Yecheilyah’s 7th Annual Poetry Contest: Finalists Revealed

Introducing Our 2024 Poetry Contest Finalists and Prize Package Winners! I am so incredibly proud of this year’s winners! Please help me congratulate these fantastic poets, who are now winners of Yecheilyah’s Annual Poetry Contest, Season 7! Her Journey to Joyby Trevita Johnson Hope Moon, Joyful Skiesby Arsenio M. Sorrell, aka Deep Thought the Lyricist… Continue reading

Articles, creative writing, Poetry

blog, blogger, competition, deadline, national poetry contest, poem, poet, poetry, poetry community, poetry contest, study, time, wordpress, writing, Yecheilyah’s 7th Annual Poetry Contest

About Me

My name is Yecheilyah (e-see-li-yah), and my work confronts historical erasure and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of Black history. Through my literature and poetry, I uncover and preserve the rich, often underrepresented stories of African Americans. I also host an annual poetry contest.