Back to Alabama

Back to Alabama is a poignant poetry collection exploring the complexities of Black American identity, family, cultural heritage, womanhood, and religious faith. As Valerie A. Smith writes, "The Blues down south would cut you." Through evocative verses, "All this brown skin moving brown fingers feeling," Smith delves into the Black experience, from music, art, and film to historical racism and resilience. This compelling work offers profound insights into the speaker's journey, inviting readers to reflect on the enduring themes of social justice and spirituality wherein, "Time denies it ever happened." A deep, transformative examination of the Black American narrative, Back to Alabama resonates with raw truth and forthright introspection, leaving a lasting impact on the reader's heart and mind with "All this electric light shining."