Countee Cullen was a prominent African American poet, novelist, and playwright. He was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual movement of the 1920s and 1930s that celebrated African American art, music, and literature.

Born in 1903 in Louisville, Kentucky, Cullen was raised in a predominantly white neighborhood in New York City. Despite facing racial prejudice and discrimination, he excelled academically and began writing poetry at a young age.

Cullen's poetry often explored themes of race, identity, and beauty, drawing on both traditional poetic forms and African American folklore. His work was praised for its lyrical beauty, formal skill, and emotional depth. Some of his most famous poems include "Incident," "Heritage," and "For a Lady I Know."

In addition to his poetry, Cullen also wrote novels and plays that addressed social issues and the complexities of the African American experience. He was one of the first African American poets to achieve critical and commercial success, earning him a place as one of the leading voices of the Harlem Renaissance.

Cullen's work continues to be studied and celebrated for its lasting impact on American literature and culture. He passed away in 1946, but his legacy lives on as a pioneering figure in Black history and literature.