The literary world is set to celebrate the enduring influence of poet and activist June Jordan with the upcoming release of “This Unruly Witness: June Jordan’s Legacy,” an anthology highlighting her profound impact on poetry and social justice. Edited by Lauren Muller, Becky Thompson, Dominique C. Hill, and Durrell M. Callier, the anthology will be published on November 11, 2025, and features contributions from notable literary figures such as Angela Davis, Naomi Shihab Nye, and E. Ethelbert Miller.
This collection serves as a reminder of the poet’s role in articulating the complexities of human experiences. It emphasizes that poets are not merely chroniclers but also social provocateurs, challenging societal norms and advocating for communal solidarity. The anthology provides a mosaic of narratives that reflect Jordan’s unyielding commitment to social justice and the arts, which resonates deeply in today’s turbulent political landscape.
Reflecting on her influence, Elizabeth Alexander notes that Jordan “was a prolific poet whose lyrical voice linked political struggle with an ethic of love.” This ethos is evident in Jordan’s work, which transcended national boundaries and addressed issues of oppression globally, from Nicaragua to Palestine. Her poetry challenged readers to confront uncomfortable truths about identity and societal structures that perpetuate injustice.
Jordan’s belief in the transformative power of poetry is further explored in Maria Poblet‘s essay, “Puño en Alto! Libro Abierto!/ First Up! Book Open!: On Anti-Intellectualism, Literacy Brigades, and Revolutionary Consciousness.” Poblet reflects on a pivotal moment when Jordan questioned whether poetry should cater to the working class’s need for accessibility or strive for deeper educational engagement. This conversation illustrates Jordan’s commitment to empowering marginalized voices through education, a theme that resonates profoundly in today’s social discourse.
In the anthology’s second section, “We Are Lucky She Dared,” E. Ethelbert Miller offers a personal insight into Jordan’s work, categorizing her poetry into nine thematic areas including Black studies, international affairs, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. His intimate anecdotes provide readers with a deeper understanding of Jordan’s life and the geopolitical contexts that shaped her writing. He poignantly analyzes her poem “Moving Towards Home,” which reflects on the intersections of identity and resistance.
Many contributors to this anthology are former students from Jordan’s influential class, “Poetry for the People,” taught at the University of California, Berkeley. In “Between the Knuckle of My Own Two Hands: Learning from June Jordan,” Sriram Shamasunder recounts how Jordan’s mentorship encouraged her to find her own voice amid societal criticisms. Shamasunder’s experiences reveal the complexities of being an activist within academic spaces and highlight Jordan’s resilience in the face of public scrutiny.
The anthology concludes with “The Awesome Difficult, Work of Love,” a conversation among Angela Y. Davis, Prathiba Parma, and Leigh Raiford, which places Jordan’s contributions in broader historical and political contexts. This dialogue emphasizes the urgency of understanding Jordan’s radical commitments and the expansive vision she held for liberation and social justice.
As contemporary society grapples with issues of inequality and injustice, Jordan’s work remains a beacon of hope and a call to action. The anthology encapsulates the essence of her legacy, showcasing her unwavering belief in the power of words to inspire change. In a world that often feels divided, “This Unruly Witness: June Jordan’s Legacy” invites readers to embrace the complexities of humanity and encourages a renewed commitment to social justice.
In reflecting on Jordan’s life and work, readers are left with a pressing question: What would June do? This anthology serves as a guide for those seeking to navigate the moral complexities of today’s world, reinforcing the notion that poetry can indeed serve as a refuge and a catalyst for change.
