October 17 is #nationalblackpoetryday, a day reserved to honor and celebrate past and present Black American poets. October 17 is also the birthdate of Jupiter Hammon (1711-c.1806), the first known published Black poet in the United States. In recognition of this day, listen to this spoken word piece by Richmond’s first poet laureate, roscoeburnems. Watch more spoken word on VPM YouTube channel and search “Verses with Roscoe Burnems”. #poems #poet #myvpm #vpm #virginiahistory #virginia #poetlaureate