 Began in the 1960’s  Influenced by the social and political turmoil of racism  Stemmed from the Civil Rights Movement  Artists created work that aimed to explore African American culture and experience

 The Black Arts Movement (BAM) gave African Americans a voice in literary world which had previously dominated by white culture.  Encouraged African Americans to create their own magazines, publishing houses, and journals.  Universities began to adapt African American studies programs.

 Black Arts Movement sought to change how blacks were represented and portrayed in literature and the arts.  The Black Arts Movement was anchored in political change and the concept that the artist is a part of his or her community and their work should speak to the needs and aspirations of that community

 Considered the father of The Black Arts Movement  Poet, playwright, activist and lecturer Baraka influenced later poets to write from the contemporary African American experience.  His writings, which deal with the black experience, express the anger of black Americans and promote black culture with an intense devotion.

 Born in Topeka, Kansas  Encountered racial prejudice throughout her schooling  Published her first poem at the age of 13  Became the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for poetry

Poets.org. Academy of American Poets, Web. 10 June 2012.