Date of Birth: June 7, 1917
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: December 3, 2000
Biography
Gwendolyn Brooks was an acclaimed American poet, author, and teacher, known for her poignant and insightful portrayals of African-American life. Born in Topeka, Kansas, and raised in Chicago, Brooks began writing at an early age. She published her first poem at the age of 13. Brooks’ work frequently addressed the personal celebrations and struggles of ordinary people in her community. She achieved national acclaim with her second book of poetry, “Annie Allen,” for which she won the Pulitzer Prize in 1950, making her the first African-American to receive this honor. Over the course of her career, Brooks published more than 20 books of poetry, including “A Street in Bronzeville,” “The Bean Eaters,” and “In the Mecca.” She also served as the Poet Laureate of Illinois and the Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, and she was a strong advocate for young and emerging poets. Brooks’ work remains influential and continues to inspire new generations of poets and readers.
5 Interesting Facts about Gwendolyn Brooks
1. Gwendolyn Brooks won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1950 for her book “Annie Allen,” making her the first African-American to receive this accolade.
2. She served as the Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 1985 to 1986, a position now known as the U.S. Poet Laureate.
3. Brooks was a prolific writer and published more than 20 books of poetry, in addition to numerous essays and a novel titled “Maud Martha.”
4. She was a significant figure in the Black Arts Movement and used her influence to support and mentor young poets.
5. In 1968, Brooks was appointed as the Poet Laureate of Illinois, a position she held until her death in 2000.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gwendolyn Brooks
1. “We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond.”
2. “Art hurts. Art urges voyages – and it is easier to stay at home.”
3. “Exhaust the little moment. Soon it dies and be it gash or gold it will not come again in this identical disguise.”
4. “Poetry is life distilled.”
5. “Live not for battles won. Live not for the-end-of-the-song. Live in the along.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Gwendolyn Brooks’ net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Gwendolyn Brooks had two children with her husband Henry Lowington Blakely, Jr.: a son named Henry Blakely III and a daughter named Nora Blakely.
Relevant Links
1. [Biography on Poetry Foundation](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/gwendolyn-brooks
2. [Gwendolyn Brooks on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gwendolyn-Brooks
3. [Pulitzer Prize for Annie Allen](https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/gwendolyn-brooks
4. [Library of Congress – Consultant in Poetry](https://www.loc.gov/item/n50038463/gwendolyn-brooks/
5. [Gwendolyn Brooks – The Academy of American Poets](https://poets.org/poet/gwendolyn-brooks
