Black History
Paul Laurence Dunbar: The Trailblazing Poet and Literary Luminary
Paul Laurence Dunbar, born on June 27, 1872, emerged as one of the most influential Black poets in American literature. His powerful dialect verse and extensive literary contributions made him a celebrated figure both nationally and internationally.
By Tamara Shiloh
Paul Laurence Dunbar, born on June 27, 1872, emerged as one of the most influential Black poets in American literature. His powerful dialect verse and extensive literary contributions made him a celebrated figure both nationally and internationally.
While attending high school in Dayton, Ohio, Dunbar showed remarkable literary promise. Despite being the only African American student in his class, he excelled as a poet and editor, immersing himself in various literary endeavors.
By the time he graduated in 1889, Dunbar had already published poems in local newspapers and worked as an editor for a Black newspaper. His early writings displayed a deep understanding of racial and societal issues, foreshadowing the profound themes that would come to define his literary works.
Dunbar initially aspired to pursue a career in law, but financial constraints prevented him from attending university. He found employment as an elevator operator, which allowed him time to continue writing.
During this period, Dunbar produced articles, short stories, and poems, including his notable dialect poems that would later gain him recognition. In 1892, he was invited to address the Western Association of Writers, which led to increased exposure and support from prominent literary figures such as James Whitcomb Riley.
Bolstered by their encouragement, Dunbar self-published his first collection of poems, “Oak and Ivy,’’ in 1893, garnering widespread acclaim.
His subsequent collection, “Majors and Minors,” brought him even greater fame, particularly through the positive review by acclaimed writer William Dean Howells. Dunbar’s dialect poems resonated with readers, and his work was praised for its faithful portrayal of African American experiences.
Dunbar continued to publish poetry collections, short stories, and novels, exploring themes of racial prejudice and the impact of slavery. Despite some criticism for perpetuating stereotypes, Dunbar’s contributions to African American literature were invaluable and sparked important discussions about race and identity.
Diagnosed with tuberculosis, Paul Laurence Dunbar’s health declined rapidly in his final years, and he passed away on Feb. 9, 1906, at the age of 33. In the years following his death, his reputation faced scrutiny, but in recent times, Dunbar’s stature has risen once again. His works are celebrated for capturing the history and celebration of Black life, solidifying his place as a literary luminary.
Paul Laurence Dunbar’s literary legacy as a pioneering Black poet remains a significant contribution to American literature, shedding light on the experiences of African Americans during the turn of the 20th century and securing his place as a seminal figure in literary history.
Wikipedia is the source for this story.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 8 – 14, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May May 8 – 14, 2024
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Activism
S.F. Black Leaders Rally to Protest, Discuss ‘Epidemic’ of Racial Slurs Against Black Students in SF Public School System
Parents at the meeting spoke of their children as no longer feeling safe in school because of bullying and discrimination. Parents also said that reported incidents such as racial slurs and intimidation are not dealt with to their satisfaction and feel ignored.
By Carla Thomas
San Francisco’s Third Baptist Church hosted a rally and meeting Sunday to discuss hatred toward African American students of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).
Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church, along with leadership from local civil rights groups, the city’s faith-based community and Black community leadership convened at the church.
“There has been an epidemic of racial slurs and mistreatment of Black children in our public schools in the city,” said Brown. “This will not be tolerated.”
According to civil rights advocate Mattie Scott, students from elementary to high school have reported an extraordinary amount of racial slurs directed at them.
“There is a surge of overt racism in the schools, and our children should not be subjected to this,” said Scott. “Students are in school to learn, develop, and grow, not be hated on,” said Scott. “The parents of the children feel they have not received the support necessary to protect their children.”
Attendees were briefed last Friday in a meeting with SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne.
SFUSD states that their policies protect children and they are not at liberty to publicly discuss the issues to protect the children’s privacy.
Parents at the meeting spoke of their children as no longer feeling safe in school because of bullying and discrimination. Parents also said that reported incidents such as racial slurs and intimidation are not dealt with to their satisfaction and feel ignored.
Some parents said they have removed their students from school while other parents and community leaders called on the removal of the SFUSD superintendent, the firing of certain school principals and the need for more supportive school board members.
Community advocates discussed boycotting the schools and creating Freedom Schools led by Black leaders and educators, reassuring parents that their child’s wellbeing and education are the highest priority and youth are not to be disrupted by racism or policies that don’t support them.
Virginia Marshall, chair of the San Francisco NAACP’s education committee, offered encouragement to the parents and students in attendance while also announcing an upcoming May 14 school board meeting to demand accountability over their mistreatment.
“I’m urging anyone that cares about our students to pack the May 14 school board meeting,” said Marshall.
This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.
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Oakland Post: Week of May 1 – 7, 2024
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