Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

Fall 11-28-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

December 2025

Department

English

College Granting Degree

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Becka Mara McKay

Abstract

“How to Not Lose a Black Daughter” is a collection of documentary poems about people who lost their lives due to police violence and racism. This thesis weaves golden shovels, persona, and narrative to record the lives of those who could easily be forgotten when the Black Lives Matter Movement becomes less noisy. Israel blends historical and contemporary poems that shows the reality of the challenges of what black people are faced with living in America. Despite the facts and trauma, “How to Not Lose a Black Daughter” also embraces motherhood, how it can uplift, and heal one’s inner self. These poems not only serve as an ode to remembrance of the lives lost but a remembrance to love oneself and how being black has its own privileges and honor.

Available for download on Friday, January 01, 9999

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