my dream about being white

“Mirrors and Windows” by the Cave Canem Foundation (2001)

In this interview, Clifton and Sonia Sanchez discuss their work as it relates to the history of African American literature. Both Sanchez and Clifton were associated with the Black Arts Movement, and they discuss the need for more representation and visibility of African American voices in literature. Literature, they contend, is both a “mirror” and a “window,” and all readers need to see into the lives of others (windows) and see people who look like them (mirrors) represented.

“The Spirit Writing of Lucille Clifton” by Marina Magloire (2020)

This article documents Clifton’s work as a “two-headed woman,” a spiritual practitioner who talks to spirits of the dead and unborn. Although her “spirit writing” was never published, its existence gives insight into some of her practices and beliefs. Her work and beliefs as a medium influenced her poetry, and readers can see this in how she inhabits different voices and sees her own persona as fluid.

“An Introduction to the Black Arts Movement” by Nasrullah Mambrol (2020)

This article lays out the history and tenants of the Black Arts Movement. It does not directly name Clifton as one of the movement’s prominent voices, but it is clear from this description how Clifton’s work aligns with the movement’s goals. The article names Sanchez (from the “Mirrors and Windows” interview) as one of the movement’s important poets.