In Williams’ memoir in essays, award-winning poet and performer Saul Williams vividly recalls the most dramatic moments of his political awakening
Songs My Mother Taught Me is the amusing, wise revelation of an American writer journeying around an often strange and always exciting world. Williams’ wanderlust leads him to Brazil, Haiti, Palestine, and many other nations in times of imperialist conflict and genocide. He meets and brings to life the famous and the humble, from history and real encounters, from Paul Robeson to artists in Brazilian bars.
Along the way, Williams comes to understand that all art can be propaganda and builds a case for why the artist must not only speak up but also choose sides.
The radical artists of the Vanguard Series offer new poetry and prose to answer the question: “What does poetry have to do with politics?”
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“The spirit of this work is infectious. A graphic poem of resistance wonderfully told through Afrofuturistic flare.”
―Publishers Weekly, praise for Said the Shotgun to the Head
"Saul Williams’ new book Martyr Loser King turns cyberpunk into creative rebellion. The multidisciplinary artist’s upcoming graphic novel reframes sci-fi through a Black radical lens, spotlighting the power of community and collective consciousness."
―Essence, praise for Said the Shotgun to the Head
"A mighty talent. He takes readers on epic voyages into frontiers that offer a refreshing awakening of the mind and a roller coaster ride into an abyss of demons, deities, occult symbols, and more."
―Amsterdam News, praise for Said the Shotgun to the Head
"An invitation to live and die in the moment, a confrontation of the politics of empire, a dare to transform oneself in the face of fear and a post 9-11 love song all in one."
―Zack de la Rocha, praise for Said the Shotgun to the Head
"Astonishing...poet. The internal rhyme, metrics, and imagery are so fleet...that they're humbling."
―The Washington Post, praise for Said the Shotgun to the Head