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“Living in Vermont has influenced my art in many dynamic ways. The homogeneity has increased my awareness of the need to speak up about white supremacy and to hold space more intentionally for a myriad of underheard voices and narratives. I have also been inspired by many different artists to expand my capacity for collaboration across multiple genres of musical expression. The land itself being the original home to the Abenaki people has often spoken to me in profound ways and being in nature I feel there is so much to be gained from the spirit that existed here prior to colonization and is still here.”

Testimonials

“Rajnii’s tongue is ancestral, and his spirit is free. In the tradition of sacred word-warriors, he names the fallen and the martyrs with extraordinary grace and a humbling consciousness that manifest light in all directions. His fiery poems ration out eternal wisdoms that call forth simply a substitution of love for hate and a spiritual reckoning so that we all can breathe. Sing on, dear brother.”

• Major Jackson
  Poetry Editor of Harvard Review

“Rajnii Eddins breathes through the written word. A full recital that allows us to see more clearly the dimly lit spaces of the black romantic. For over 2 decades, this poet, father, teacher and son has allowed the spoken word to be a guide and refuge. In his words, there is refuge for which I always felt drawn. When I'm with Rajnii, I often feel strong in his silence and watch him craft truth as he lives such that listening, breathing and writing become synonymous. It's rare that the light of hope shines so brightly these days and when it does we must stand forward and receive the light, lest we in our efforts, grow dim. Rajnii shares the long awaited letter from your dearest friend, your closest sister and the villain who attempts to steal our laughter. If you ride these poems, you will arrive at peace. Thank you Raj for your light.”

• Theaster Gates
  Social Practice Installation Artist
  Featured in Time Magazine

“It is one thing to possess ( and be possessed by) deep wells of love and/or anger-Quite another to craft poems which honor and acknowledge the aforementioned without drowning the artist’s originality and vision. Rajnii Eddins’s work embodies Amiri Baraka’s definition of poetry (“speech musicked”)-and it takes us into often uncomfortable, painful places in an original –compelling, often haunting manner. 

Whether the poet is standing his ground with proud, searing incantations like those found in the title poem, or successfully working the thematic tightrope of love and personal ( and cultural) determination, the work in this volume consistently pulls the reader in, and leaves our hearts no choice but to eagerly follow, page after page after page. I admire his poetic range, depth and courage as much as I admire the fact that he practices –and shares-his work while living in a racial cauldron like Vermont.

Do not sleep on the work of Rajnii Eddins.”

• Reuben Jackson
  Former host of VPR’s Friday Night Jazz

"The student response to him was so positive, and I think his impact will reach far beyond our ability to gauge it. The poetry students wrote was deep and wise (at least in the 5/6 group that I attended), and I think those students are likely to keep those poems for a long time and look back at them. Because his writing prompts was about peace, their poetry documented the concerns of the day and how they were feeling about them. 

Rajnii himself embodies love and wisdom. His authentic care for the children, his risk-taking, the way he entrusted the students with serious topics and elements of his own life was powerful. I was stirred up for the rest of the myself."

• Edorah Fraser
  Principal of Robinson Elementary School
  Starksboro, VT

“His poetry was not only moving, but he shared what it is like to be Black in America. He provided a space to have students write what peace means to them, and then allowed some to share their writings if they wanted to. It was a meaningful and eye opening experience for ALL ages and cultural backgrounds.”

• Heather Smith
  Student at Antioch University Seattle Masters in Education Program

Praise from the Culturally Responsive Leadership Connector NH Conferernce, 2019

“Rajnii presented very compelling evidence that childhood trauma prevents children from accessing higher order cognitive processing skills, and that music, dance, and other artistic activities can assist in healing.”

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“He was amazing!! His performance, energy and message was heartfelt. The best for me in the entire conference.”

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“He was so good to hear and meet, his personal and political and artist voice is strong and kind and non- threatening. He exemplified patience and peace and is power of example.