Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins was born in Portland, Maine in 1859. She was a playwright, journalist, novelist, historian, editor, feminist, public intellectual, supporter of the arts, and an outspoken crusader for African American rights. She is considered a pioneer in her use of the romantic novel to explore social and racial themes and is best known for her 1900 novel Contending Forces: A Romance of Negro Life North and South.
Born March 25, 1939, Toni Cade Bambara was a writer, teacher, and activist. She passed away in 1995. Here are some of her notable works:
Happy birthday Kalamu ya Salaam! He celebrates his 79th birthday today! Kalamu ya Salaam is a poet, author, filmmaker, and teacher from the 9th Ward of New Orleans. A well-known activist and social critic, Salaam has spoken out on a number of racial and human rights issues. Here are a few of his works:
Happy birthday Ayana Gray! She is the New York Times bestselling author of the young adult fantasy Beasts trilogy, and the adult book I, Medusa.
Born March 1, Ralph Ellison wrote the classic novel, Invisible Man. He also wrote other books and a few were published posthumously.
Born February 25, George Schuyler was American writer, journalist, and social commentary. He was known for the book, Black No More.
Sadeqa Johnson came to Detroit Public Library to talk about her book, Keeper of the Lost Children. The story is centered around three characters who are somehow connected to an orphanage in Germany. History is interwoven as the readers learn about an orphanage that took care of mixed race children (white German women, African American men officers) in occupied Germany. In her talk, Ms. Johnson mentioned a documentary film titled Brown Babies which tells the stories of unwanted biracial and bicultural children.
Also born on February 23, Claude Brown, author of the classic Manchild in the Promised Land. He passed away in 2002. Before his death, he wrote three more books. Read more about this author here.
Ishmael Reed was born February 22 and is a poet, novelist, essayist, playwright, songwriter, public media commentator, lecturer and publisher. He has written more than 40 books, a few posted below. Read more about Ishmael Reed here.
I watched a very informative and fascinating documentary titled, “Women in Motion.” That is the name of Nichelle Nichols consulting firm that partnered with NASA to recruit more people of color into NASA. Excellent documentary!
Nichelle Nichols’ autobiography:
Her adult fiction:
A children’s book about Nichelle Nichols:
The CamaraIfe Maktaba 