Tolani Oyefule

The Left Side Poets Present Strange Fruit Synopsis The Left Side Poets Present Strange Fruit is a collection of pieces delving into the battle between youthful curiosity and adult angst. In an attempt to find who they are as people, The Left Side Poets have produced an anthology of work that tackles historical preservation, deference of the flesh, religious ambivalence and the vicissitudes of love, while striking a balance between the distinctive styles of its members. In all, it is a conversation about life’s physical, spiritual and mental challenges and how the written and spoken word can be used as a gateway to understanding exactly what it is that ails us through narrative, prose and lyricism. Who Are The Left Side Poets The Left Side Poets were a group of eleven poets (that grew to 13) that met during the 2007-2008 school year during the preparation for Hampton University’s Black Heritage Extravaganza. Each poet was involved in bringing various pieces to the show under the premise of ‘Strange Fruit’. The title of the book is derived from that show’s premise and many of those pieces are featured. The name Left Side comes from where the poets would gather during extravaganza practices – the first six rows on the left side of Ogden Hall on Hampton’s campus. Nine of the poets combined to put together this anthology of pieces. Poetry, location and circumstance brought together this eclectic group of lyricists, poets and spoken word artists and initiated the beginning of what could be a generation defining assemblage of literary talent. What People Are Saying About ‘Strange Fruit’ “…a wonderful outpouring of raw emotions via clever writing…beautifully presented to tug at heart strings as well as enlighten lost souls…it seeks to empower the reader with a clever menagerie of moments that evoke thought as well as provide a vehicle for creative thinking…I highly recommend this collection to avid spoken word fans and those who simply need it to get through the day…I am proud to say, get yourself a slice of Strange Fruit.” Michael Guinn International Spoken Word Artist, Author, Speaker and Founder/Slam Master of Ft. Worth Poetry Slam Team “…I was in awe…This book is a collection of experiences and declarations, amazingly timeless…From social oppression to finally arriving while yet remembering the path to which the way was won, it’s a journey relived. An excursion of words divided under one roof. Nine minds vowed one oath to speak truth, though painful, yet colorfully written…I came alive in this book. I was corrected and reprimanded in these pages. I found a purpose and a praise here with strangers baring fruit…” A. Comeaux Founder, Write One Publishing, LLC “…Strange Fruit is one of the best collections of poems I have read in a long time. The Left Side Poets are like the Wu-Tang Clan of poetry with each member possessing their own skill and style. The poems of The Left Side Poets range from thought-provoking, witty, inspirational, and complex to make any fan of Aesop Rock very happy.” 1081creations.com “With monopoly like art that correlates to each author, [Strange Fruit] takes you through a mini-journey of each poet’s work. Covering everything from not-dating-barbies, revolution, Virginia trees and group pieces to pay homage to the group, it’s definitely worth the gander.” Erica “Riva” Buddington English Teacher, Writer and Spoken Word Artist, rivaflowz.com “…The book literally had something for all the different palettes of poetry enthusiasts. Whether your taste was political, religious, witty, hip hop or family oriented, somber, humorous, reflective, or what have you, they had it covered. There was no rock left unturned. I especially enjoyed the fact that there were collaborative pieces on page throughout the body of work. That was something I hadn’t seen before and the Left Side Poets pulled it off wonderfully…” Rasheed Copeland 2010 NUSPA Award Winner, Best Performance Male, Graffiti DC Coordinator and Member of 2010 and 2011 Washington D.C. Busboys & Poets 11th Hour National Slam Team “…In less than one hundred pages, Strange Fruit, gives us nine poets and about 52 poems of raw, unadulterated, nostalgic content. This collection represents the art of life; it is politically poetic, as it is also personably poetic. The joy, hope, love, despair, and freedom are carefully laced into the stanzas of every poem. Strange Fruit gifts readers with an array of poetry, in addition, it provides an eclectic, and exceptional culture of lyrical substance that will enchant readers and inspire poets abroad…” 6flavas.com “Strange Fruit is the best compilation of poetry I have read. In one word, it’s POWERFUL. English professors should be using this book when they teach their courses…” Stacy J BookEndBabes.com “…the book, for lack of a better term, is dope…Seen inside the work is a collection of stories meshing into detail the trials, tribulations, highs and lows of young 20 something African-American men and women…” Justin