Brooks, Gwendolyn, 1917-2000

Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks June 7, 1917, Topeka, KS – December 3, 2000, Chicago, IL; moved to Chicago at 6 weeks old; published first poem at 13; in her early years, she received commendations on her poetic work and encouragement from James Weldon Johnson, Richard Wright and Langston Hughes; She won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry on May 1, 1950, for Annie Allen, making her the first African American to receive the Pulitzer; first teaching experience was at the University of Chicago when she was invited by author Frank London Brown to teach a course in American literature. It was the beginning of her lifelong commitment to sharing poetry and teaching writing.[10] Brooks taught extensively around the country and held posts at Columbia College Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago State University, Elmhurst College, Columbia University, and City College of New York; appointed Poet Laureate of Illinois in 1968, a position she held until her death