Education

In African American Literature

Gwendolyn Brooks

1917-2000; born in Topeka, Kansas Began publishing poetry at 17 Published first widely acclaimed poetry bookin 1945

Some famous poems: “We Real Cool”, “The Bean Eaters”, “Sadie and Maud”*

Richard Wright

1908-1960; born in Roxie, Mississippi Prominent figure in the Harlem

Renaissance Became a member of the Communist party Famous books:

Native Son, Black Boy*

Reginald McKnight

Born 1956 in Fuerstenteldbruck, Germany

Currently a professor at the University of Georgia Converted to Judaism Short story

“The Kind of LightThat Shines in Texas”

Langston Hughes

Prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance

1902-1967; born in Joplin, Missouri Created “jazz poetry” Famous poems:

“The Weary Blues”, “I, Too,Sing America”, “Dream Deferred”,“Theme for English B”*

Amiri Baraka (LeRoi Jones)

Born 1934 in Newark, New Jersey Often a controversial figure—author,

teacher, actor, activist, theater producer

Poem “Poem for Half-White

College Students”

Malcolm X

1925-1965; born in Omaha, Nebraska Charismatic speaker/minister for the

Nation of Islam Famous book

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Born 1950 in Keyser, West Virginia Professor at Harvard University Author, editor, and filmmaker Short story

“A Giant Step”