Considered a part of the Black Arts Movement, he first received attention for his book of poems entitled The Beautiful Days (1965).

A recording of his creative collaboration with Jeff Scott and the Imani Winds, titled Passion for Bach and Coltrane and featuring Spellman's narration, won the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Classical Compendium.

During his time at Howard, he met and befriended classmate Leroi Jones, whose own interest in furthering black art would act as a considerable influence on Spellman's future endeavors.

After touring the nation with several other African-American poets in 1967, Spellman joined the staff of Rhythm Magazine, where he wrote poems and political essays until 1969.

The Center, although an independent organization, relied on many staff and faculty from the local universities to offer art instruction and performances in a variety of genres, from poetry readings to dramatic plays.

Shortly after the release of this collection, Spellman spoke in an interview on the importance of small presses, declaring them to be "absolutely essential for poetry."