Paul Lawrence Dunbar

Paul Laurence Dunbar was an influential African American poet and writer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is known for blending standard English with African American dialects in his poetry and stories, highlighting the cultural richness and struggles of Black Americans. Dunbar’s work explores themes of identity, resilience, and social injustice, earning recognition for its lyrical beauty and honest portrayal of African American life. Despite facing racial prejudice, he gained national acclaim and is considered a pioneering figure whose writings helped pave the way for future African American literature.