Sterling A. Brown (1901-1989) was one of the most important and influential figures in the development of African-American literature and criticism in the twentieth century. Born in Washington, D.C., he became not only a poet but a folklorist, anthologist, critic, and reviewer. Brown was a professor at Howard University for forty years.
Michael S. Harper (1938-2016) was a celebrated poet and professor. The first poet laureate of Rhode Island, he taught at Brown University from 1970 to 2013.
Cornelius Eady is the author of numerous books of poetry, including Hardheaded Weather and The Gathering of My Name. He is the co-founder of Cave Canem.
