1. Education In African American Literature

2. Gwendolyn Brooks  1917-2000; born in Topeka, Kansas  Began publishing poetry at 17  Published first widely acclaimed poetry book in 1945 Some famous poems: “We Real Cool”, “The Bean Eaters”, “Sadie and Maud”*

3. 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*

4. Reginald McKnight  Born 1956 in Fuerstenteldbruck, Germany  Currently a professor at the University of Georgia  Converted to Judaism  Short story “The Kind of Light That Shines in Texas”

5. 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”*

6. 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”

7. Malcolm X  1925-1965; born in Omaha, Nebraska  Charismatic speaker/minister for the Nation of Islam  Famous book The Autobiography of Malcolm X

8. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.  Born 1950 in Keyser, West Virginia  Professor at Harvard University  Author, editor, and filmmaker  Short story “A Giant Step”