Abiodun believes that poets have a crucial role in helping people understand the world clearly. They are meant to break down complex issues, providing fresh angles and helping audiences see situations from new, insightful viewpoints.
Quote by Abiodun Oyewole: “The poet's job is to put things in perspective.”
The poet's job is to put things in perspective.
Insight
Historical Context
As a co-founder of The Last Poets during the tumultuous Civil Rights and Black Power eras, Oyewole consistently viewed the artist's role as one of social commentary and truth-telling. This quote encapsulates his belief in poetry as a tool for critical public enlightenment.
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American poet and founding member of The Last Poets, the spoken-word group widely considered a predecessor of hip-hop. Formed in New York in 1968, The Last Poets combined African drumming and political verse to become the voice of Black radical consciousness in the late 1960s.
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