Gwendolyn Brooks was a highly acclaimed African American poet and one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. She was born on June 7, 1917, in Topeka, Kansas, and grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where she would spend most of her life. Brooks was the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1950 for her second collection, "Annie Allen."

Throughout her career, Brooks used her poetry to explore themes of race, gender, and social justice. She was known for her poignant and powerful portrayals of African American life and her ability to capture the struggles and triumphs of Black people in America. Brooks was also a trailblazer in the literary world, paving the way for future generations of African American poets and writers.

In addition to her Pulitzer Prize win, Brooks received numerous awards and honors during her lifetime, including the National Medal of Arts in 1995. She served as the Poet Laureate of Illinois and was a mentor to many aspiring writers. Gwendolyn Brooks passed away on December 3, 2000, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most important voices in American poetry.