AFRICANAMERICAN POETS Paul Laurence Dunbar Paul Laurence Dunbar
AFRICAN-AMERICAN POETS
Paul Laurence Dunbar
Paul Laurence Dunbar 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” http: //www. dunbarsite. org/
Claude Mc. Kay
Claude Mc. Kay 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” http: //www. poets. org/poet. php/prm. PID/25
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou Born on April 4 th, 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 http: //mayaangelou. com/bio/
Alice Walker
Alice Walker Born February 9 th, 1944 in Eatonville, Georgia Shot in the eye with a BB gun Worked as a social worker, teacher, and lecturer Fought for social equality in the 1960’s Spent her time in her room, studying and reading 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 http: //www. biography. com/people/alice-walker-9521939? page=2
Gwendolyn Brooks
Gwendolyn Brooks 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 http: //www. poets. org/poet. php/prm. PID/165
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
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