(New York City—April 2026)—Kevin Powell, GRAMMY-nominated poet, civil and human rights activist, filmmaker, and Newsweek magazine opinion writer, releases his 17th book, A Poem for Evangeline, And Other Songs, IN APRIL via Get Fresh Books Publishing, founded by award-winning writer Roberto Carlos Garcia. Additionally, as the cover subject of CODE M magazine’s April issue, Powell shares an exclusive excerpt from the book, the introspective composition, “my father could not read or write.” See the cover feature on page 40 HERE.
Per Charlie Braxton, legendary Mississippi-based poet, playwright, cultural critic, and music historian:
“Kevin Powell is one of this country’s most poignant literary voices. Powell’s vivid storytelling and beautifully crafted verses transport the audience. His mastery of language, rhythm, and delivery make each poem resonate deeply. There is sincerity and vulnerability that is both captivating and inspiring.”
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Indeed, with A Poem for Evangeline, And Other Songs, Powell further cements his legacy as one of the most celebrated political, cultural, literary, and hip-hop voices in America. This collection is a series of tender and skillfully constructed love letters to his wife. But it is also a sensitive and sacred poetic manifesto for humanity, for America. Be it hate or violence in all forms, mental health, family, history, childhood traumas, the meaning of manhood, or his profound longing for peace, Powell channels forebears like Lucille Clifton, like Federico Garcia Lorca, like the purple cadences and skylight hues of his kinfolk. The result is a poetry book for our times, but also for the times not yet imagined.
Says Kevin: “Writing and performing poetry is one of the greatest passions of my entire life, and I am so happy to be back to it, in spite of these very heavy times. For sure, it is especially because of this moment in history that I am so clear we need poets, dancers, filmmakers, musicians, artists of all kinds, to be truth-tellers, to be witnesses, to be the voices we need to hear. So this poetry collection is my offer to those trying to maintain, trying to figure things out.”
