No. 64: Gwendolyn Brooks
Episode Transcript
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"What happens when the power of the pen meets the pulse of the people? You get Gwendolyn Brooks—a poet who captured the rhythm of life in the South Side of Chicago like no one else could. Hi, I’m Shae, a PhD candidate at Harvard, and welcome back to the '100 Historic Black Women You Should Know By Election Day' series, where we explore the lives of Black women who have shaped our world.
Born in 1917 to a father who was a janitor and a mother who was a schoolteacher, Gwendolyn Brooks grew up in a household that deeply valued education and the arts. By the age of 13, she had already published her first poem, and by 16, she was regularly submitting her work to newspapers and magazines. Despite the racial barriers of her time, Brooks never let society’s limitations define her. Instead, she wrote with a fierce clarity about the realities of Black life in America, capturing both its beauty and its struggles with an unflinching eye.
Her second collection of poetry, Annie Allen, which explored the coming-of-age of a young Black girl in Chicago, made her the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1950. But Brooks’ contributions didn’t stop there. She became a leading figure in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 70s, shifting her focus to writing about Black empowerment and activism. Her later works, such as In the Mecca, reflect this evolution, blending her lyrical mastery with a deep commitment to social justice.
Brooks was not only a poet but a mentor and advocate for young Black writers. Her legacy is enshrined in the hearts of many, but it’s also physically commemorated in Chicago’s South Side with a monument known as 'The Oracle of Bronzeville.' This bronze statue, located in the Gwendolyn Brooks Park, stands as a testament to her enduring impact on the community she loved so dearly.
And here’s something you might not know: Gwendolyn Brooks was appointed as the Poet Laureate of Illinois in 1968, and she held that position until her death in 2000—an incredible 32-year tenure, making her the longest-serving Poet Laureate in the state’s history.
Gwendolyn Brooks’ words continue to inspire, challenge, and uplift us. If her story resonated with you, please follow and rate this podcast 5 stars so more people can discover these incredible women. Don’t forget to follow me on social media and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more stories that need to be heard. Let’s keep these voices alive and thriving."
