Remembering June Jordan

The last time I saw the poet June Jordan, she was wearing a yellow sweater. She was on PBS talking about her book. Not long after that, cancer took her away from the divided world she had lived in.

The first time I almost met her was the night I'd organized the first ever poetry slam in San Quentin. She couldn't come because it was the same night of her scheduled book signing in the City. Instead, she sent her students from Poetry for the People. She promised me that she'd be there at the second poetry slam if I would invite her.

The second time I almost met her was the night of the second night of the poetry slam in San Quentin. I'd invited her. She didn't make it. Cancer had denied her inspiring presence.

I often regret not being able to meet June Jordan. Then I realize we had met many times through her poetry and the personal legacy that she had created.

You too can meet her through Directed by Desire: The Collected Poems of June Jordan.