­ Resilience in Selected Poems by Aja Monet

Abstract

This study delves into the resilience of Black women through an analysis of Aja Monet’s poetry, focusing on her poems “Refuge” and “Grow” from the collection The Black Unicorn Sings (2010). Grounded in Black Feminist Theory, the research explores how Monet portrays Black women’s experiences, struggles, and triumphs, highlighting their resilience in the face of intersecting systems of oppression. Through vivid imagery and metaphor, Monet’s poetry illuminates the internal battles and external pressures Black women face, emphasizing their unwavering spirit and forms of resistance. Drawing on resilience concepts within Black Feminist Thought, the study showcases how Black women navigate and challenge oppressive structures, reclaiming agency for their identities and narratives. By focusing on the voices of Black women authors like Monet, the research enriches the literary canon with diverse voices and catalyzes critical discourse on literature, feminism, social justice, and cultural diversity while advocating for equitable representation across all facets of literary expression. This is accomplished through an analysis of two poems by Aja Monet through the lens of Black Feminist Theory, with a focus on resilience.