african-american poets. paul laurence dunbar born 1872 in dayton, ohio first african-american...
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AFRICAN-AMERICAN POETS
Paul Laurence Dunbar
Paul Laurence Dunbar
http://www.dunbarsite.org/
Born 1872 in Dayton, Ohio First African-American poet to gain
national recognition. Popular with both black and white
readers Used both Standard English Diction and
1900’s African-American Diction Poem to be studied in this class: “We
Wear the Mask”
Claude McKay
Claude McKay
http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/25
Born in Jamaica in 1889 Taught by his brother who had a collection of
English novels, poem collections, and scientific books
Poems, passion, and poetic success helped lead to the rise of the Harlem Rennisance.
Poems often reflect an African-American dialect and the effects of living a early 1900’s African-American lifestyle.
Poem to be studied in class: “If We Must Die”
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou
http://mayaangelou.com/bio/
Born on April 4th, 1928 in St. Louis Raised in Stamps Arkansas
Faced hostile racial discrimination Found strength in faith-driven, high value
African-American community and culture After a lifetime of various jobs (cable-car
driver, waitress, singer and dancer) Angelou moved to Harlem, New York.
Led African-American centered organizations, published internationally acclaimed novels and poems, and even served for two presidential committees.
Poem to be studied in class: Alone
Alice Walker
Alice Walker
http://www.biography.com/people/alice-walker-9521939?page=2
Born February 9th, 1944 in Eatonville, Georgia Shot in the eye with a BB gun
Spent her time in her room, studying and reading Worked as a social worker, teacher, and
lecturer Fought for social equality in the 1960’s
Continued fight for equality as part of African-American Feminist movement
Most famous work is The Color Purple which has been turned into a movie and a play
Poem studied in class: Before You Knew You Owned It
Gwendolyn Brooks
Gwendolyn Brooks
http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/165
Born in Topeka, Kansas in 1917. First African-American poet to win Pulitzer Prize. 13 years old when her first poem, “Eventide”,
was published. A strong social activist, especially 1960’s and
after Most of her poems politically/socially driven Earlier works focused on living as an African-
American Women in American Later works became more political on African-
American equality as a whole Poem studied in class: One Wants a Teller in a
Time Like This
Common Elements
Use of language as a tool Mixing dialects/using a dialect for purpose
Community Double-speak Double-Conciousness Themes
Living as African-American in US Politics Social Commentary Equality