Ntozake Shange

Ntozake Shange was an influential African American playwright, poet, and novelist, best known for her groundbreaking work "for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf." This choreopoem combines poetry, dance, and music to explore the experiences of Black women in America, tackling themes like love, struggle, and resilience. Born on October 18, 1948, Shange was a key figure in the feminist and Black arts movements. Her vibrant and poignant writing challenged societal norms and highlighted the complexities of identity, making her a vital voice in contemporary literature and theater.