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African-American poet

Definition

An African-American poet is a poet who identifies as being of African descent and whose work often explores the experiences, history, culture, and identity of Black people in America. Their poetry may address themes such as racism, discrimination, resilience, heritage, and the pursuit of equality.

Analogy

Imagine poetry as a powerful tool for self-expression and storytelling. Just like how music can touch your soul and make you feel understood, African-American poets use their words to express their unique perspectives and shed light on important aspects of Black history and culture.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance: The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement during the 1920s in Harlem, New York City. It celebrated African-American art forms including poetry, music, literature, theater, and visual arts.

Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement refers to the social movements in the United States during the mid-20th century that aimed at ending racial segregation and achieving equal rights for African Americans.

Identity: In the context of an African-American poet's work, identity refers to one's sense of selfhood shaped by factors such as race/ethnicity, culture, heritage, experiences with discrimination or marginalization.