Tongo Eisen-Martin facts for kids
Tongo Eisen-Martin is an American poet and activist. He writes powerful poems and works to make the world a better place. He is currently the official poet laureate of San Francisco, California. This means he is the city's special poet, chosen to represent San Francisco through his words.
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About Tongo Eisen-Martin
Tongo Eisen-Martin was born in 1980 in San Francisco, California. His mother, Arlene Eisen, was a "revolutionary," which means she worked hard to bring about big, positive changes in society. Tongo's parents named him after Josiah Tongogara, a famous leader from Zimbabwe. Miranda Bergman, a talented artist who paints murals (large wall paintings), is his godmother. Tongo has a younger brother named Biko. They both went to Meadows-Livingstone school in San Francisco when they were kids.
Tongo's Education and Teaching
Tongo Eisen-Martin studied at Columbia University, a well-known school in New York. He earned two degrees there: a bachelor's degree and a master's degree, both in African-American Studies. This field of study focuses on the history, culture, and experiences of African Americans.
While at Columbia, Tongo also taught at a special research center. In 2012, he created a course called We Charge Genocide Again!. He has also taught poetry and other subjects in places like San Quentin and Rikers Island. These are detention centers, which are places where people are held, sometimes before trial or after being convicted. Teaching there shows his dedication to helping others through education.
Black Freighter Press
Tongo Eisen-Martin is also one of the people who started Black Freighter Press. This is a publishing company that helps share important stories and voices, especially from Black writers.
Awards and Recognition for Tongo's Poetry
Tongo Eisen-Martin's books of poetry have won many important awards. These awards show how much his writing is appreciated and respected.
Heaven Is All Goodbyes
His book Heaven Is All Goodbyes, published in 2017 by City Lights, won several honors:
- A PEN Oakland Award
- The 2018 American Book Award
- The 2018 California Book Award
- The 2018 National California Booksellers Association Poetry Book of the Year
Blood on the Fog
His 2020 book, Blood on the Fog, also published by City Lights, was recognized as one of the Best Poetry Books of 2021 by Elisa Gabbert, a writer for the New York Times newspaper.
Tongo Eisen-Martin's Published Works
Here are some of the books Tongo Eisen-Martin has written:
