I Am Still Your Negro: An Homage to James Baldwin (Robert Kroetsch Series)

"I Am Still Your Negro: An Homage to James Baldwin" by Valerie Mason-John, part of the Robert Kroetsch Series, is a powerful collection of social justice poetry that delves deep into the heart of racial trauma and resilience. Published on January 31, 2020, this book starkly portrays the continuous impacts of slavery and colonization through vivid spoken-word poetry. Mason-John’s narratives weave through historical and contemporary landscapes—from the African Diaspora to modern-day injustices in America under the Trump administration, and the pervasive reach of the Me Too movement. The book not only recounts tales of oppression, such as sexual assault and addictive behaviors, but also elevates the potent, liberating voice of Yaata, a figure of supreme being and strength. With a foreword by George Elliott Clarke, this collection is an essential read for college students studying racial justice, prompting them to reflect on the persistent echo of the past in today's societal issues. "I Am Still Your Negro" invites readers to confront harsh truths and engage in the critical dialogue necessary for change.