Gwendolyn Brooks

Gwendolyn Brooks was an influential American poet and the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1949 for her work "Annie Allen." Born in Chicago in 1917, she wrote about the lives and struggles of Black people, exploring themes of identity, community, and social justice. Her style combined traditional forms with modern language, making her work accessible and impactful. Brooks served as Poet Laureate of Illinois and inspired generations of poets. Her legacy continues to resonate, highlighting the importance of voice and representation in literature.