February is Black History Month, and to celebrate the contributions black poets have made, and continue to make, to the richness of American poetry, we asked twelve contemporary black poets from across the country to choose one poem that should be read this month and to tell us a bit about why.

This February, we're facing forward and shining the spotlight on 18 incredible black women making history. In this series of powerful profiles, POPSUGAR aims to elevate the voices and impact of these women — among them artists, politicians, musicians, activists, entrepreneurs, and designers — as well as the authors chosen to tell their stories here. While the breadth of their passions and gifts are diverse, each of these remarkable people proves the enduring power of black women to make change, shape our culture, and better our world.