Date of Birth: December 7, 1948
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Biography
Pearl Cleage is an acclaimed American author, playwright, and poet known for her powerful works that explore issues of race, gender, and social justice. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, she grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where her father, Albert Cleage Jr., was a prominent civil rights activist and minister. Cleage attended Howard University and later transferred to Spelman College in Atlanta, where she earned her degree in drama. Her literary career encompasses a wide range of genres including novels, plays, and essays. Some of her most notable works include the novel “What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day,” which was an Oprah Book Club selection, and the play “Flyin’ West,” which has been widely produced across the United States. Cleage’s work often centers on the African American experience, particularly the lives of African American women. In addition to her writing, Cleage has been an outspoken activist, working on issues such as AIDS awareness, women’s rights, and racial equality. She has also served as a speechwriter for Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson and has been deeply involved in the arts community in Atlanta, where she resides with her husband, writer Zaron W. Burnett Jr.
5 Interesting Facts about Pearl Cleage
1. Pearl Cleage’s novel “What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day” spent nine weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list.
2. Her play “Flyin’ West” is one of the most produced African American plays in the United States.
3. Cleage has served as the writer-in-residence at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta.
4. She co-authored “We Speak Your Names,” a celebration of African American women, with her daughter, Deignan.
5. Pearl Cleage’s father, Albert Cleage Jr., was a founder of the Pan-African Orthodox Christian Church.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Pearl Cleage
1. “Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted.”
2. “I write about what I love and what scares me.”
3. “The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.”
4. “Art is our weapon. Culture is a form of resistance.”
5. “We have to be visible. We must be seen. We must be heard.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Pearl Cleage is estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Pearl Cleage has one daughter, Deignan Cleage, with whom she has collaborated on literary projects.
Relevant Links
1. [Pearl Cleage – Official Website](https://www.pearlcleage.net/
3. [Pearl Cleage at the Alliance Theatre](https://alliancetheatre.org/person/pearl-cleage
4. [Interview with Pearl Cleage on NPR](https://www.npr.org/people/129488859/pearl-cleage
5. [Pearl Cleage’s Works on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18630.Pearl_Cleage
