Velshi Banned Book Club: The Power of Poetry with Jacqueline Woodson Hosted by Ali Velshi on MSNBC
1. Introduction to the Episode and Guest
In the episode titled "The Power of Poetry," Ali Velshi welcomes Jacqueline Woodson, an acclaimed author and the former Young People's Poet Laureate (2015-2017). Woodson is celebrated for her poignant literary works, including the National Book Award-winning memoir, Brown Girl Dreaming, which serves as the focus of this episode.
2. Overview of "Brown Girl Dreaming"
Brown Girl Dreaming is a memoir written in lyrical poems and haikus, capturing Woodson's childhood experiences during the late 1960s and 1970s. Split between segregated Greenville, South Carolina, and the bustling streets of New York City, the memoir delves into themes of civil rights, identity, and community.
Notable Quote:
"Perhaps for a short time, we're part of that history. We walk slowly toward the park where I can already see the big swings empty and waiting for me. And after I write it down, maybe I'll end this way. My name is Jacqueline Woodson and I am ready for the ride."
— Brown Girl Dreaming (01:01)
3. Themes Explored in the Book
Woodson's memoir navigates her personal journey of self-acceptance and discovery amidst the backdrop of significant social movements. The narrative explores:
- Identity and Duality: Balancing life between Greenville and Brooklyn, Woodson grapples with her multifaceted identity as a young Black woman.
- Civil Rights Movement: The memoir reflects on the ongoing struggle for racial equality and its impact on Woodson's formative years.
- Community and Individuality: Emphasizing the importance of community support while fostering personal individuality.
4. The Role of Poetry in Society
Ali Velshi and Woodson discuss how poetry serves as a powerful medium to express complex emotions and societal issues. Poetry, unlike prose, distills profound feelings into succinct lines, making it both universal and deeply personal.
Notable Quote:
"A good poem is both universal and deeply personal at the same time."
— Ali Velshi (09:07)
Woodson emphasizes that poetry allows individuals to convey feelings that are otherwise challenging to articulate, acting as both a mirror and a window for readers.
5. Book Banning and Censorship Discussion
The episode addresses the alarming rise in book banning across the United States. Brown Girl Dreaming has been targeted for removal in states like Texas and Florida due to its exploration of race, sexism, religion, and social class.
Notable Statistics:
- Over 10,000 books were banned in public schools during the 2023-2024 school year, according to PEN America.
6. Jacqueline Woodson's Personal Experiences
Woodson shares her personal journey, including growing up in a Jehovah's Witness household and the influence of her grandfather. Her storytelling is deeply rooted in her experiences, which she meticulously crafts into poetic narratives.
Notable Quote:
"I treat people like I want to be treated. God sees this. God knows."
— Brown Girl Dreaming (14:27)
Woodson reflects on her grandfather's unwavering goodness and how it shaped her understanding of morality and joy.
7. Poetry as Resistance and Survival
The discussion highlights poetry's role in resistance, especially in oppressive contexts. Woodson draws parallels with poets in conflict zones, such as those in Ukraine, who use poetry as a means of survival and connection.
Notable Quote:
"Poetry is a way to work through [huge feelings] in just a short amount of lines."
— Jacqueline Woodson (34:13)
Woodson advocates for the importance of preserving poetic expression as a form of resistance against censorship and societal constraints.
8. Conclusion and Future Episodes
Ali Velshi concludes the episode by emphasizing the critical state of freedom of speech and the importance of continued resistance through reading and literary appreciation. He hints at future episodes featuring graphic novels like Maus by Art Spiegelman and Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, further exploring literature's role in resistance and historical narration.
Final Notable Quote:
"We are members of the Velshi Banned Book Club to read as Resistance."
— Ali Velshi (42:50)
Key Takeaways:
- Poetry's Dual Role: Acts as both a personal and universal medium for expression.
- Impact of Censorship: Significant number of books are being banned, limiting access to diverse narratives.
- Literature as Resistance: Reading and storytelling are powerful forms of resistance against oppression and censorship.
- Personal Narratives: Woodson's memoir underscores the importance of personal stories in understanding broader societal issues.
Call to Action:
Ali Velshi encourages listeners to support literary freedom by accessing and advocating for diverse literary works, emphasizing that reading is an act of resistance.
This summary captures the essence of the episode, focusing on the meaningful dialogue between Ali Velshi and Jacqueline Woodson, while omitting promotional content and advertisements to provide a clear and engaging overview.