We Rize is a collection of deeply evocative poems that document systemic violence, historical trauma, and the resilience of Black communities in America. Omowalé-Kétu Oladuwa blends personal narrative, historical events, and collective experiences into a powerful poetic anthology that bears witness to state-sanctioned oppression and the struggles of Black people to preserve their huemanity and dignity in a hostile society.

The work’s themes of police brutality, racial injustice, identity reclamation, and cultural pride highlight specific cases of violence, like Clifford Glover, Eleanor Bumpurs, Deborah Danner, and James Byrd Jr. These poems interweave historical memory with the present realities of systemic racism. Through rhythmic, oral-influenced language, the Poet calls for collective awakening, healing, and resistance, affirming the possibility of a reimagined, liberated future.

Hardball is a poignant narrative about a young Black boy named Pitcher, with exceptional talent as a baseball player, caught in the systemic cycle of poverty, violence, and incarceration. The poem charts Pitcher’s life from a promising little-league player to a troubled youth targeted by police—his potential undone by the lack of consistent care and support. Despite glimpses of hope, including a desire to rehabilitate himself, Pitcher’s life ends violently, shot by police in a tragic alley encounter.

We Rize poses situations and questions still begging for answers today.