Gwendolyn Brooks was born in Topeka, Kansas on June 7, 1917. She was brought to Chicago at the age of one month old. She lived their for her entire life. At the age of thirteen, one of her poems was published. While in high school, she had a chance to meet poets, such as, James Weldon Johnson and Langston Hughes. In 1939, she married Henry Blakely. He was also a poet. She went on to have two children.

In 1945, Brooks published Street in Bronzeville, her first collection of poetry. In 1950 , she became the first African-American to win the Pulitzer Prize for her second book, Annie Allen. Brooks lived in Chicago until her death on December 3, 2000. The late Poet Laureate of Illinois, died of stomach cancer. She was 83 years old.

 

Biographical Web Pages

The Women of The Hall - Gwendolyn Brooks

Gives a great background on her life.

Brooks, Gwendolyn

Story about her life.

Pulitzer Prize winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks ...

Talks about her life and her accomplishments, including her Pulitzer Prize winning book called, Annie Allen.

PAL: Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-

Talks about her accomplishments


Poetry and Accomplishments Web Pages


Gwendolyn Brooks - The Academy of American Poets
Poetry

Brooks, Gwendolyn Elizabeth, an Encarta Encyclopedia Article Titled "Brooks, Gwendolyn Elizabeth"

Talks about her accomplishments and poetry

Voices From the Gaps: Gwendolyn Brooks

See some of her famous poetry

Gwendolyn Brooks - The Academy of American Poets

Talks about her poetry

 

A Gwendolyn Brooks Page

Talks about her awards and poems


Webography by Farrah S. Dozier

1-13-01