In this episode, we speak with Jennifer Bartell Boykin, the City of Columbia Poet Laureate. Jennifer discusses her work as a writer, focusing on her personal experiences growing up as a Black woman in the rural South and capturing the stories of her ancestors. She highlights her role as Poet Laureate, her involvement in advocating for students' rights, particularly through the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization (DAYLO), and the challenges faced with book bans and censorship. The episode provides insight into Jennifer’s literary influences and current reads, while emphasizing the importance of community engagement and starting small in activism.00:00 Introduction to the Liberation Slip Podcast00:36 Meet Jennifer Bartell Boykin: Columbia's Poet Laureate03:27 Balancing Roles: Poet Laureate, Teacher, and Advocate04:27 The Power of Rest and Commissioned Poems07:05 Youth Engagement and Creative Writing14:23 DAYLO: Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization20:18 Book Recommendations and Personal Reads26:59 Self-Care and Community Impact31:07 Closing Remarks and Upcoming EventsJennifer’s BooksTraveling MercyOnly BelieveBooks Mentioned in this EpisodeSpectral Evidence by Gregory PardloRain Rising by Courtne ComrieRain Remembers by Courtne ComrieHow We Do It: Black Writers on Craft, Practice, and Skill edited by Jericho BrownCuckoo’s Flight by Wendy OrrOut of My Mind by Sharon Draper Out of My Heart by Sharon Draper The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba HigueraDeath of the Author by Nnedi OkoraforWhere to Find JenniferJenniferBartellpoet.comhttps://www.instagram.com/columbiapoet/https://www.facebook.com/columbiapoethttps://www.instagram.com/jennibb55/Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.

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