Gwendolyn Brooks was a highly acclaimed African American poet and the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1950. She was born on June 7, 1917, in Topeka, Kansas, and raised in Chicago, where she spent most of her life. Brooks was known for her poignant and powerful poems that addressed themes of race, poverty, and the everyday experiences of Black Americans.

Her most famous work is "Annie Allen," a collection of poems that won the Pulitzer Prize in 1950. Brooks went on to publish numerous poetry collections, including "A Street in Bronzeville," "The Bean Eaters," and "In the Mecca." Throughout her career, she was a strong advocate for social justice and used her poetry to shed light on the struggles and triumphs of Black life in America.

Brooks was not only a groundbreaking poet but also a mentor to many aspiring writers and a prominent figure in the Black literary community. She was appointed Poet Laureate of Illinois in 1968 and remained a beloved and respected figure in the literary world until her passing in 2000. Gwendolyn Brooks's legacy continues to inspire and impact generations of poets and readers, making her an important figure in Black history and American literature.