African American Poets Then and Now

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, contributions, and cultural impact of African Americans throughout history. Poetry has long been a powerful tool for expression, resilience, and social change, and many African American poets have left an indelible mark on literature and history. These well-known works are perfect for introducing young readers to their brilliance.

Maya Angelou (1928-2014)

Maya Angelou was a poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She was an important voice during the Civil Rights Movement and worked closely with both Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Her poetry often carried themes of resilience, empowerment, and the beauty of Black identity. She became one of the most influential voices in modern American poetry.

Poem: "Life Doesn't Frighten Me"

Shadows on the wall

Noises down the hall

Life doesn't frighten me at all

Bad dogs barking loud

Big ghosts in a cloud

Life doesn't frighten me at all

Mean old Mother Goose

Lions on the loose

They don't frighten me at all

Dragons breathing flame

On my counterpane

That doesn't frighten me at all.

I go boo

Make them shoo

I make fun

Way they run

I won't cry

So they fly

I just smile

They go wild

Life doesn't frighten me at all.

Tough guys fight

All alone at night

Life doesn't frighten me at all.

Panthers in the park

Strangers in the dark

No, they don't frighten me at all.

That new classroom where

Boys all pull my hair

(Kissy little girls

With their hair in curls)

They don't frighten me at all.

Don't show me frogs and snakes

And listen for my scream,

If I'm afraid at all

It's only in my dreams.

I've got a magic charm

That I keep up my sleeve

I can walk the ocean floor

And never have to breathe.

Life doesn't frighten me at all

Not at all

Not at all.

Life doesn't frighten me at all.

Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906)

Paul Laurence Dunbar was one of the first widely recognized African American poets. Born to former slaves in Dayton, Ohio, he excelled in school and became known for his poetry that captured the struggles and joys of Black life in post-Civil War America. He wrote in both standard English and African American dialect, creating a unique voice that resonated with a wide audience. His poetry influenced the Harlem Renaissance poets who followed him.

Poem: "Life"

A crust of bread and a corner to sleep in,

A minute to smile and an hour to weep in,

A pint of joy to a peck of trouble,

And never a laugh but the moans come double;

                      And that is life!

A crust and a corner that love makes precious,

With a smile to warm and the tears to refresh us;

And joy seems sweeter when cares come after,

And a moan is the finest of foils for laughter;

                      And that is life!

Langston Hughes (1902-1967)

A central figure of the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes used his poetry to celebrate Black culture and to speak out against racial injustice. He wrote about the everyday struggles of African Americans in a way that was both accessible and powerful. His works often carried a musical rhythm, influenced by jazz and blues.

Poem: "Dreams"

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow.

Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784)

Phillis Wheatley was the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry. Born in West Africa, she was sold into slavery as a child, arriving in Boston in 1761. The Wheatley family, who purchased her, provided her with an education, which was rare for a slave at the time. She quickly became proficient in English, Latin, and Greek, and by her early teens, she was writing poetry influenced by classical literature and Christian themes. Wheatley’s work gained international recognition, and she even met George Washington and gained the support of prominent figures like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin.

Poem: "On Being Brought from Africa to America"

'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,

Taught my benighted soul to understand

That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too:

Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.

Some view our sable race with scornful eye,

"Their colour is a diabolic die.

"Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain,

May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.

Nikki Giovanni (1943-Present)

Nikki Giovanni is a contemporary poet known for her strong, passionate voice. She emerged as a leading poet during the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and has since remained a prominent figure in poetry and activism. Her poetry often reflects themes of love, family, and civil rights, inspiring generations of readers.

Poem: "Knoxville, Tennessee"

I always like summer

best

you can eat fresh corn

from daddy's garden

and okra

and greens

and cabbage

and lots of

barbecue

and buttermilk

and homemade ice-cream

at the church picnic

and listen to

gospel music

outside

at the church

homecoming

and you go to the mountains with

your grandmother

and go barefooted

and be warm

all the time

not only when you go to bed

and sleep

Each of these poets lived during pivotal moments in history—from the American Revolution to the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, and beyond. They used their voices to challenge injustice, celebrate Black identity, and inspire future generations. By introducing their poetry to children and teens, we continue their legacy and encourage a love of literature that honors diverse voices.

This Black History Month, take time to read and share their poems. Their words continue to shape and inspire the world today!