Countee Cullen was a prominent African American poet, novelist, and playwright during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 1930s. He was born on May 30, 1903, in Louisville, Kentucky, but was raised in Harlem, New York City.

Cullen was known for his lyrical poetry that often explored themes of racial identity, love, and the human experience. His work was highly regarded for its musicality, formal precision, and exploration of both traditional poetic forms and African American vernacular.

His most famous works include the poetry collections "Color" (1925), "Copper Sun" (1927), and "The Ballad of the Brown Girl" (1927). Cullen's poetry often reflected his struggles with self-identity and his search for acceptance in a society that marginalized African Americans.

Despite facing racism and discrimination throughout his life, Cullen remained a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance and was one of the first African American poets to achieve widespread recognition in the literary world. He passed away on January 9, 1946, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a pioneering African American poet and writer.