June Jordan

She died far too soon, in her mid-sixties, but her career spanned one of the most significant eras in African American literature. Kinloch examines how Jordan's writing worked as enlightenment, education, reaction, activism, therapy and warning, and relates the very real pain that is writing to the very real pain that is living within the lines of racial discrimination. Kinloch examines the lesser-known works as well as those recognized as major contributions to studies of violence, homosexuality, race, and black feminism. Jordan's over two dozen books and reams of poetry are interspersed by her experiences as an activist, and Kinlock finds this complex soul was also a powerful wielder of language. Jordan caused a revolution amongst writers who have been traditionally underrepresented; this is the beginning of what will be significant scholarship on her influence. * Reference & Research Book News *
[F]or high school, college/university students, and general readers….The author explores Jordan's personal life through letters, interviews with relatives, her poetry, and other writings. Kinloch reveals Jordan's depth and intent as a woman, a writer, a poet, an activist, an educator, and a leader. * Multicultural Review *
Among other things, Jordan was an activist, poet, teacher, and author. Through her poetry, she sought to transcend limiting labels like black, bisexual, divorced, poor, and female, and she encouraged others to do the same. Using letters, interviews with Jordan's relatives, her poetry, and her other writings, Kinloch delves into the woman's personal life so that readers might better grasp the depth and intent of her work. This is an intimate introduction to a variety of historical events and noteworthy people….Kinloch's study will be of special importance to young women forging their place in the world as writers and activists. * School Library Journal *
What differentiates the work from a traditional treatment, despite the clear black-and-white photographs, the index, bibliography and notes, and the informative introduction, is the biographer's voice that appears regularly in June Jordan: Her Life and Letters pointing up the urgency or timeliness of her subject's ideas. Clearly, this strategy lends immediacy to the narrative. . . . deserve[s] a place in the body of feminist inquiry that deepens our understanding of how women of purpose took their place in history. * NWSA Journal *