KC Performs | Deploying Poetry to Say Their Names

The power of poetry lies in its ability to reveal the beauty and ugliness in the world. Sometimes, it does both.

Consider Glenn North’s new poem, “I Sing Their Names,” which celebrates local Black history. 

The poem was commissioned as part of the Black History Project involving the Black Archives of Mid-America, the Kansas City Public Library and the Local Investment Commission.

The poem was “inspired by great Kansas City African-Americans and my grandparents,” North said.

Enjoy the attached video, part of “KC Performs,” a program developed by Kansas City PBS during the pandemic to help close the gap between performer and audience.

And remember their names.

A Record of Kansas City Black History: ‘Chant Their Names, Almost As If Holy’ The Local Investment Commission, the Black Archives of Mid-America and the Kansas City Public Library have collaborated on “Kansas City Black History,” a book documenting the stories of notable local Black people.