Gwendolyn Brooks was a distinguished African American poet and the first Black person to win a Pulitzer Prize. Born in Topeka, Kansas in 1917, Brooks moved to Chicago at a young age, where she would spend the rest of her life and find inspiration for her poetry. Her work often focused on the experiences of African Americans in urban settings, addressing themes of racism, poverty, and social justice.

In 1950, Brooks became the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for her second collection, "Annie Allen." She went on to receive numerous other awards and honors for her contributions to literature, including the Robert Frost Medal and the National Medal of Arts.

Brooks was not only a prolific poet but also a mentor and teacher, influencing many aspiring writers and poets. She was known for her supportive and nurturing approach to younger artists, helping to foster a new generation of Black writers.

Throughout her career, Gwendolyn Brooks used her powerful and evocative poetry to shed light on the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of literature and Black history.