Caribbean Matters: Celebrating poet and activist Linton Kwesi Johnson

For those of us in the U.S. who have been following the violent racist and xenophobic rioting in the UK and the movement that has arisen to counter it, it comes as no surprise that Black Britons have been affected. The long history of British racism against Black residents, and those of Caribbean ancestry, is a subject I have covered frequently here, in stories about the Windrush Generation and their descendants. 

One of the key figures of the resistance over many decades has been internationally renowned poet, academic, and activist Linton Kwesi Johnson. Born in rural Jamaica on August 24, 1952, Johnson migrated to the UK with his father at 11 years old to join his Windrush generation mother who was already living in London.  

Johnson has gone on to become “only the second living poet to have his work included in Penguin Modern Classics.” Join us in celebrating his birthday, his life, and his impact.

RELATED STORY: Black Music Sunday: Celebrating Black History Month in the UK with dub poetry

Caribbean Matters is a weekly series from Daily Kos. Hope you’ll join us here every Saturday. If you are unfamiliar with the region, check out Caribbean Matters: Getting to know the countries of the Caribbean.