[youtube id=”YiGAmJr4wgY”] Sekou Sundiata was a poet, professor and Grammy-nominated performer from Harlem. Sundiata’s work deals with identity, politics, rhythm and slavery. “Come On And Bring On The Reparations” examines compensation for the descendants of ex-slaves for past labor and ongoing cultural contributions that are never truly acknowledged by society. Sundiata appeared on the first episode of Def Jam Poetry Jam’s 2003 season two. It was one of two times that Sundiata read his poetry on the show. “Bring On The Reparations” was one of many works where Sundiata questioned the value of Blackness. In addition to being a poet, he was an activist and educator becoming the first Writer- in- Residence at The New School. His 1997 debut album The Blue Oneness Of Dreams was nominated for a Grammy. Ten years later Sundiata passed after suffering a heart attack. In 2013, MAPP International produced Blink Your Eyes: Sekou Sundiata Revisited a seven-month retrospective in NYC in partnership with 17 cultural organizations and educational institutions.
