Porsha Olayiwola – “Water” (100K Views!)

“I’ve heard sharks followed slave ships crossing the atlantic ocean, trailing black bodies thrown overboard.”

Congratulations to Porsha on topping 100,000 views on this stunning poem. Help support Button Poetry so we can continue broadcasting all these artists!
Check out more of Porsha’s work here and here.
And while you’re here, make sure to check out our books and merch as well, including our awesome t-shirts and poster and new books by Jacqui Germain and Hanif Abdurraqib!

Jay Ward – “How to Train Your Dog” (Southern Fried)

Performing at the 2016 Southern Fried Poetry Slam.

“There is, after all, some reason that melanin
seeks after bullets the way it does.”

Don’t miss this stunning poem from Amanda Pressman, performing at the 2016 Southern Fried Poetry Slam in Greensboro, NC.
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Roscoe Burnems – “Metaphysics For White Privilege” (Southern Fried)

Performing at the 2016 Southern Fried Poetry Slam.

“Just because you didn’t create it doesn’t mean
you don’t benefit from it.”

Don’t miss this excellent poem from Roscoe Burnems, our first video from the 2016 Southern Fried Poetry Slam.
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Crystal Valentine & Aaliyah Jihad – “Hide Your Shea Butter” (CUPSI 2016)

Performing at CUPSI 2016.

“It’s not just that you take what we create, it’s that it always gets
lost in translation.”

Don’t miss this excellent poem from Crystal Valentine and Aaliyah Jihad, performing at the 2016 College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational. You can check out more from Crystal and Aaliyah here, here and here.
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Danez Smith – “Alternate Heaven for Black Boys” (Rustbelt 2016)

Performing at the Rustbelt Regional Poetry Slam.

“Paradise is a world where everything is a sanctuary and nothing is a gun.”

Don’t miss this incredible new poem from Danez Smith, performing during finals at the 2016 Rustbelt Regional Poetry Slam in Columbus, Ohio. Check out Danez’s brilliant book here.
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out all of our books and merch, including Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Best of Button Week 76

“It has taken me so long to say that I am proud to be black.”

Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button playlist, featuring the top-viewed recent videos on the Button YouTube Channel. Today’s additions: Dave Harris & Jeremy Radin. Congratulations poets!
While you’re here on our site, make sure to check out our books and merchandise in the Button Store, including books by Aziza Barnes, Danez Smith, Neil Hilborn and our JUST-RELEASED book from Hanif Abdurraqib!

Dave Harris – “Why We Dance”


Performing at CAMP Bar in Saint Paul.

“It has taken me so long to say that I am proud to be black, to say it like it means something.”

Don’t miss this excellent poem from Dave Harris, performing at the former Soap Boxing Poetry Slam, now Button Poetry Live.
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Taylor Steele – “All These Bodies (after Patricia Smith)”

Performing at WOWPS 2016.

“America is the loneliest angry song I’ve ever heard.”

Don’t miss this powerful poem from Taylor Steele, performing at the 2016 Women of the World Poetry Slam. Subscribe to us on YouTube to stay up to date on all these amazing performances.
While you’re here, head over to the Button store to check out our books and merch, including Button t-shirts in both female and unisex cuts, and books and more by many of your favorite Button artists.

Danez Smith – “Dogs!” (AWP 2016)

Danez Smith Dogs Website

“A dead dog is a hero. A dead lion is a hero. A cloned sheep is a miracle. A dead child is a tragedy, depending on the color, the nation, the occupation or non-occupation of the parents.”

Check out this incredible poem from Danez Smith. And don’t miss his book, Black Movie, available now in our store!

Best of Button Week 37

Rudy Adrenaline Rush Best of Button

“It must be nice to feel so safe you have to invent new ways to put yourself in danger.”

Don’t miss this week’s Best of Button Playlist, featuring the hottest recent videos on the Button YouTube channel. Updated every week! Today’s additions: Rudy Francisco, Sara Brickman, and Joel Francois. Congratulations poets!

Make sure to check out our amazing books and t-shirts in the Button Shop!