Black History Month: Gwedolyn Brooks

"Look at what's happening in this world. Every day there's something exciting or disturbing to write about. With all that's going on, how could I stop?"
                                                                 Gwedolyn Brooks

                                   Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000)

Gwendolyn Brooks was one of the most influential American writers and poets of the 20^th century.  Based primarily in Chicago, IL, a center of Blues and Jazz cultures, her poems often carry a musical quality, and many catalog the black experience.

Brooks was the first African-American to win the Pulitzer Prize (which she won for her book of poetry Annie Allen). Her most famous poem is “We Real Cool”.  She wrote over twenty books of poetry during her lifetime, and was honored with many awards, including serving as the Poet Laureate for the state of Illinois in 1968 and as a Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 1985 to 1986.

By the age of sixteen she had written over seventy-five poems, best known for her poetic descriptions of African American city life.

Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks also served as U.S. Poet Laureate (what’s that?) among many other literary accolades. Referring to her style as “folksy narrative,” Brooks’ poems often depicted political consciousness and social commentary. "When you love a man, he becomes more than a body. His physical limbs expand, and his outline recedes, vanishes. He is rich and sweet and right. He is part of the world, the atmosphere, the blue sky and the blue water."


So we say Thank You Ms. Brooks for making your mark on Black 
Women and Men and every ethic group in American History and leaving future generations to follow in your foot steps.....But say Thanks for taking a step...