Comprehensive Review of Say Her Name by Zetta Elliott

Literature Reviews - 2025

Comprehensive Review of Say Her Name by Zetta Elliott

Introduction

Zetta Elliott’s Say Her Name (2020) is a powerful collection of poetry that serves as both a tribute and a call to action, inspired by the #SayHerName movement, which highlights the overlooked and often erased experiences of Black women and girls who have been victims of police brutality and racial violence. With a mix of personal reflection, historical awareness, and social activism, Elliott’s poetry seeks to honor these lives while celebrating the resilience, beauty, and strength of Black women.

The collection is accompanied by striking illustrations from Loveis Wise, which enhance the emotional depth and cultural richness of the poetry. Through a mix of affirming, celebratory, and deeply painful poems, Elliott provides a poetic space for remembrance, empowerment, and resistance.

Themes and Structure

  1. Bearing Witness to Injustice

The title itself, Say Her Name, comes from the movement that draws attention to Black women who have been victims of state violence. Elliott ensures that their names, stories, and struggles are remembered. The poems highlight the systemic oppression, racism, and brutality that have taken the lives of many Black women, reinforcing the importance of bearing witness and demanding justice.

The poem Blessing encapsulates this theme with its urgent, repetitive plea:

"Indictments are rare
Like snow in the Sahara
Or cops behind bars"

This stark imagery underscores the reality of police brutality and the difficulty of achieving justice for Black victims.

  1. Black Excellence and Affirmation

Not all of the poems focus on pain and loss; many celebrate the brilliance and perseverance of Black women. The opening poem, Black Girl Miracle, serves as an uplifting declaration of resilience:

"You are more than magic
You are a miracle
Because we were never
Meant to survive
Not as human beings…"

These lines echo themes found in the works of Audre Lorde, Maya Angelou, and Toni Morrison, positioning Black existence as an act of defiance and strength. Elliott’s poetry reaffirms the value and power of Black women in a world that often tries to diminish them.

  1. Self-Care and Resistance

Another recurring theme is the necessity of self-care as a form of resistance. Poems such as How to Resist urge readers not only to fight against systemic oppression but also to nurture themselves in the process:

"Most of all:
Feel something
Feel something
Feel something"

This message reinforces that activism must be accompanied by emotional resilience and healing, particularly for those directly affected by racial violence.

  1. Honoring Literary and Historical Voices

Elliott’s collection is not just her own voice but an interwoven tapestry of Black literary history. The book includes works by influential Black poets such as Audre Lorde, Lucille Clifton, Nikki Giovanni, and Phillis Wheatley. While their inclusion enriches the collection, some critics have questioned the lack of context for certain selections, particularly Wheatley’s On Being Brought from Africa to America, which expresses themes of assimilation and Christian salvation that contrast with Elliott’s broader themes of resistance and self-affirmation.

Writing Style and Accessibility

Elliott’s poetry is direct, lyrical, and emotionally resonant. Unlike some poetry collections that may be dense or abstract, Say Her Name is highly accessible, making it suitable for both young adult and adult audiences. As one reviewer noted, “Elliott’s poetry is never pompously obscure.” Instead, it speaks plainly and powerfully, demanding engagement from the reader.

The collection also includes notes at the end, where Elliott provides historical and personal context for some of her poems. For example, her poem Black Lives Matter references the movement’s founders—Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, and Patrisse Khan-Cullors—ensuring that readers understand the real people behind the activism.

Illustrations and Visual Impact

The artwork by Loveis Wise enhances the book’s themes of strength and solidarity. The bold, vibrant illustrations complement the poetry without overshadowing it, using expressive colors and symbolic imagery to reinforce the book’s messages. The combination of poetry and illustration makes the collection visually engaging and emotionally powerful.

Critical Reception and Impact

Say Her Name has been widely praised for its relevance, emotional depth, and cultural significance. Critics and educators have highlighted its importance for classroom discussions on race, gender, and social justice.

  • Strengths:
    • Emotionally impactful and accessible poetry
    • Honors the #SayHerName movement and Black literary traditions
    • Balances grief, resistance, and affirmation
    • Beautifully complemented by Loveis Wise’s illustrations
  • Criticisms:
    • Some historical references could have been better contextualized
    • A few of the self-care poems, while valuable, feel less compelling than the ones focusing on activism and remembrance
    • The book’s small size and aesthetic could cause it to be overlooked among larger poetry collections

Conclusion

Say Her Name by Zetta Elliott is a vital and deeply moving poetry collection that honors Black women and girls while calling for justice, resistance, and self-love. It balances sorrow with empowerment, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to engage with the realities of racial violence and the enduring strength of Black communities.

By weaving personal reflection, historical remembrance, and cultural celebration into her poetry, Elliott creates a collection that is both timely and timeless. Whether read for personal reflection or as part of a classroom discussion, Say Her Name demands to be heard, felt, and remembered.