Born April 10, 1822, James Monroe Whitfield was an influential African American poet and activist born in Exeter, New Hampshire. He was known for his poem, America
365 Black Books: Paule Marshall Thursday
Born April 9, 1929, Paule Marshall was a novelist that emphasized Black Americans reclaim their African heritage. She received a MacArthur Award and her book, Praisesong for the Widow received an American Book Award. Here are just a few of her novels:
365 Black Books Nnedi Okorafor Wednesday
Happy birthday Nnedi Okorafor! She celebrates her 52nd birthday today, April 8! She is the award author of several science fiction, fantasy, and Afrofuturism books. Here are just a few of her award winning titles!
365 Black Books Douglas Kearney Tuesday
I continue to recognize poets during April is Poetry month. Today’s poet is Douglas Kearney, poet, performer, and librettist. He was a 2021 National Book Award for Poetry finalist for his book, Sho. Other works by Douglas Kearney:
365 Black Books Eugenia Collier Monday
Happy 98th birthday Eugenia Collier! Eugenia Collier is a writer and critic best known for her 1969 short story “Marigolds”, which won the first Gwendolyn Brooks Prize for Fiction in 1969; it was Collier’s first published story. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Collier’s collection, Breeder and Other Stories, was released in 1993. More of her works:
365 Black Books Booker T. Washington Sunday
Blessed heavenly birthday Booker Taliaferro Washington! Born April 5, Booker T. Washington was an educator, author, founder and first president of what is now Tuskegee University. Known for Up From Slavery, Booker T. Washington wrote several books. Here are just a few:
365 Black Books Maya Angelou Saturday
Happy heavenly birthday Dr. Maya Angelou! Born April 4, Dr. Angelou was a poet, activist, professor and more. Her iconic/classic poem, “Still I Rise”, is as relevant today as it was when it was first written and published.
365 Black Books Poetry Friday
In honor of April is Poetry month, here are just a few poetry books for and by children and young adults. Happy reading!
365 Black Books Samuel R. Delany Thursday
Also born April 1, is Samuel R. Delany, an award winning author. Although he may be known primarily for science fiction and fantasy, Samuel R. Delany writes about many subjects.
365 Black Books Jesmyn Ward Wednesday
Happy birthday Jesmyn Ward! Born April 1, 1977, Jesmyn Ward won the 2011 National Book Award for Fiction for her second novel Salvage the Bones. Other books are:
The CamaraIfe Maktaba 