Lucille Clifton’s poem invites a standing ovation. The poem is only fourteen lines long and despite the one minute twenty-four second time stamp on the video, the poem itself is only fifty-six seconds long. In that time, Clifton addresses the hurdles she has had to overcome being “both nonwhite and woman,” she asks, “what did I see to be except myself?”Clifton confronts the systemic hurdles, including racism and misogyny, that impact the everyday life and existence of a Black Woman, while still managing to carve out space for joy. Know before watching that it is every bit as impactful as the standing ovation it demands as Clifton recites the final lines, finding joy in failure and survival. —Sokeyra Francisco The content, brevity, and intentional artistic conventions Clifton employs throughout the poem communicates a poignant illustration of her life. On the surface, the question--"won't you celebrate with me?” felt desperate in a way, but in this poem, it was clear that she doesn't want us to simply gaze upon her hardships but desires us to stand alongside her, and recognize the ways that she has withstood the terror that surrounds her; she wants us to simply celebrate with her. —Rasheen Purnell
"Won’t you celebrate with me'' is a poem that invites listeners to celebrate being self made. In it, Lucille Clifton describes the simple act of being as one of resistance. “Won’t you celebrate with me” is a reminder that every stride made in a space turned against you is a cause for celebration. Let this poem also serve as a reminder that rejoicing in yourself will always be more rewarding than the recognition or validation of others." -- Shala McKee
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