The Poetjournalist

A unique collection of poetry which captures the mosaic tapestry of our diverse society through the lens of MacArthur Fellow, author, filmmaker, and social entrepreneur, Aaron Dworkin.



The collection explores four overarching pillars: Personal Identity, The Arts, The Black Experience, and Inequality, all through the unique prism of "Poetjournalism." A term originated by Aaron in which a news story or other experience is expressed in poetic form, incorporating elements of emotion, opinion, and creative illustration.



Born to a Black Jehovah's Witness father and White Irish Catholic mother, Aaron was immediately given up for adoption to a White Jewish couple who already had a birth son. This unique heritage provided a backdrop through which to explore humanity, identity, and connection. While some poems are autobiographical, the majority were developed through Aaron's role as Poetjournalist-in-Residence of the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, Wright Museum of African-American History, Ovation TV Network, Rodham Institute and Shar Music.



As a violinist in addition to spoken word artist, Aaron utilizes ingredients of rhythm, alliteration, and asymmetric rhyme in his work as he conjures vivid imagery connecting the reader to both familiar and foreign encounters and memories. Combined, the poems represent a creative commentary and introspection into our world and human interactions.