Influential African American Writers

By Sophie Saliba

Originally published in Dog Street Journal's February 2020 issue.

Throughout American history, there have been numerous writers who helped shape the civil rights movement and brought attention to the struggles that African Americans have faced. During Black History Month, it is important to celebrate these African American authors and their works and recognize what contributions they have made to our society. Their novels, essays, poems, and short stories were integral in furthering the fight for equality.

Toni Morrison was one of the most influential authors in the world. In her novels, she illustrated the many struggles that African Americans faced, such as slavery, racial violence, and discrimination. She helped shape African American literature and opened new doors for black writers. In addition, in 1993, she was the first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Some of her most well-known works are The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon, and Beloved.

Zora Neale Hurston became one of the most famous black writers during the Harlem Renaissance, which was an explosion of African American culture, art, and literature. Her most famous work is Their Eyes were Watching God, and it is still considered one of the greatest American classics. Unfortunately, although she became a successful writer, Hurston did not receive the compensation she deserved, so it is important to appreciate and celebrate her works.

Langston Hughes was also a prominent author in the Harlem Renaissance. He is famous for writing numerous poems, essays, short stories, and novels. His works often centered around the life of an average African American person during the Jim Crow Era. I think one of his most moving poems is “The Weary Blues,” and I highly recommend it along with his other works to anyone looking to read more African American literature.

Possibly the most famous and influential African American writer, Maya Angelou furthered the civil rights movement in numerous ways. Not only was she a writer, but she was an expert in all the arts. Before her writing career, she worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. In addition to this accomplishment, in 2000, President Bill Clinton awarded her the National Medal of Arts. Furthermore, President Barack Obama bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Angelou in 2010. Her most well-known work is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, an autobiography illustrating the struggles she went through growing up. Throughout her life, Maya Angelou has shown immense courage, and it is important to educate ourselves and others on her story.

Richard Wright is well-known for depicting the struggles African Americans faced in the Jim Crow era. Native Son is probably his most famous work, which depicts how the oppression of African Americans affected and altered their lives. Wright’s works are important because they educate us about the harsh treatment of African Americans.

Lorraine Hansberry was an influential playwright and writer in the 20th century. One of her greatest accomplishments was being the first female African American playwright to have her work performed on Broadway. Her most famous work is probably A Raisin in the Sun, which depicted segregation against African Americans along with celebrating their culture. Although she died at a very young age, Hansberry continues to be one of the most well-known African American writers.