Seven African Women Poets to Read This Summer

Okay Africa brings to readers' attention seven African women poets whose work merits a close read. From Warsan Shire to Ladan Osman, these ladies will have you chillin' out and diving into a book this summer.

When Beyoncé dropped Lemonade earlier this year, the world opened their ears to the brilliant work of the British-Somali poet Warsan Shire. But while the mainstream is only catching on to her now, Warsan has been a widely acclaimed poet for some time now. The 27-year-old poet published her first chapbook in 2011 titled Teaching My Mother How to Give Birth and was selected as a Young Poet Laureate in 2013.

In honor of Shire and the countless other African women influencing the poetry landscape today, we’ve gathered together our favorite contemporary poets to read this summer. Whether you’re looking for additions to your summer readings list, curious as to who the authors are behind the multitude of quotes you find so frequently shared on your timeline, but which often go uncited (do better internet.), or you simply want to marvel at the beauty and power of African women in the diaspora, we got you covered. These poets will teach you about love, identity and home all the same.

Praise! Learn more at Okay Africa. At top: Ladan Osman.