07/08/2020
In 1905, the scholar and activist W.E.B. Du Bois became a founding member of The Niagara Movement, a civil-rights group dedicated to social and political change for African Americans and the predecessor to the NAACP. Two years later in 1907 he penned his poem "The Song of the Smoke", in which he explores the dual consciousness of being both black and American, and the symptoms of slavery and racism. Du Bois was a pioneering leader who viewed art, especially literature, as a way to address the immense inequalities in America.
Over a century later the poem landed in the hands of Allan Monga, a high school student forced to flee violence in his home country of Zambia and seek asylum in the United States. His journey took him to Portland, Maine where he took to poetry recital, eventually competing in and winning a regional poetry contest.
The national foundation that oversees the contest banned Allan from participating in the national finals in Washington DC, where he would represent the state of Maine. They cited his asylum status and lack of U.S. citizenship. Monga successfully petitioned the courts to compete as a noncitizen in the national championships in Washington, DC.
Despite the fact that he did not go on to win the contest, as Allan said, "I am not the only kid who's an immigrant...I wanted to create a way that kind of opened the door for everyone." In the wake of Allan's efforts, The National Endowment for the Arts would go on to eliminate the rule blocking non-citizens from competing in the contest.
To support the artistic development of people of African descent, check out Indigo Arts Alliance.
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"The Song of the Smoke" by W.E.B. Du Bois
Recited by Allan Junior Monga
Director/Producer: ROVE
Color: Evan Kultangwatana
Sound Design + Mix: Pete Morse at Red Vault Audio
