Date of Birth: February 22, 1938
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Biography
Ishmael Reed is an American poet, novelist, essayist, and playwright, known for his satirical and often controversial takes on American culture, politics, and race relations. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and raised in Buffalo, New York, Reed’s work spans multiple genres and forms, making him a versatile figure in contemporary American literature. He attended the University at Buffalo but left before completing his degree, moving to New York City to immerse himself in the burgeoning literary scene of the 1960s. Reed’s literary career took off with his first novel, “The Free-Lance Pallbearers” (1967), and he gained further recognition with “Yellow Back Radio Broke-Down” (1969), a novel that blends Western and satirical elements. He co-founded the East Village Other, an underground newspaper, and has been involved in various literary and artistic movements, including the Black Arts Movement. Reed’s works often employ a technique he calls “Neo-HooDoo,” which blends elements of African, African-American, Caribbean, and Native American cultural traditions. In addition to his novels, Reed has published numerous collections of poetry, essays, and plays. He has received multiple awards, including the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, and remains an influential voice in contemporary discussions about race, culture, and identity in America.
5 Interesting Facts about Ishmael Reed
1. Ishmael Reed was a co-founder of the Before Columbus Foundation, which promotes multicultural literature.
2. He has taught at several prestigious institutions, including Harvard, Yale, and Dartmouth.
3. Reed’s novel “Mumbo Jumbo” (1972) is considered a seminal work in the field of postmodern literature.
4. He is a vocal critic of mainstream media and has often criticized its portrayal of African-Americans.
5. Reed has also dabbled in music and has released several jazz albums featuring his poetry.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ishmael Reed
1. “Writin’ is fightin’.”
2. “A free society is one where it is safe to be unpopular.”
3. “I always wanted to be a writer, but never had the confidence to believe it would happen.”
4. “The media’s the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent.”
5. “The past is a ghost, the future a dream, and all we ever have is now.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Ishmael Reed is estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Ishmael Reed has two children: Timothy Reed, a noted author and critic, and Tennessee Reed, a writer and poet.
Relevant Links
1. [Ishmael Reed on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishmael_Reed
2. [Ishmael Reed’s official website](http://www.ishmaelreed.org
3. [Profile on Poetry Foundation](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/ishmael-reed
5. [Ishmael Reed on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7674.Ishmael_Reed
