Arna Bontemps African-American poet, novelist, librarian, and prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance cultural movement Date of Birth: 13.10.1902 Country: USA

1. Arna Bontemps: A Leading Figure of the Harlem Renaissance
2. Early Life and Education
3. Harlem Renaissance and Literary Success
4. Writing Career
5. Children's Literature and Social Commentary
6. Historical Fiction and Library Work
7. Later Life and Legacy

Arna Bontemps: A Leading Figure of the Harlem Renaissance

Born on October 13, 1902, in Alexandria, Louisiana, Arna Wendell Bontemps was an African American poet, novelist, librarian, and a prominent figure in the cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance.

Early Life and Education

Bontemps' family moved to Los Angeles during the Great Migration. After graduating high school, he attended Pacific Union College in Angwin, California, where he earned a degree in English and history in 1923.

Harlem Renaissance and Literary Success

In 1924, Bontemps arrived in New York during the Harlem Renaissance. He began teaching at the Harlem Academy and writing poetry. In 1926, he won the Crisis Poetry Prize. He formed close friendships with Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and others.

Writing Career

In the early 1930s, Bontemps expanded his writing into fiction. His first novel, "God Sends Sunday" (1931), received critical acclaim for its poetic style and depiction of African American life. However, it faced criticism from W. E. B. Du Bois. Bontemps also collaborated with Cullen on a dramatic adaptation of the novel, "St. Louis Woman" (1946).

Children's Literature and Social Commentary

Bontemps wrote several children's books, including "Popo and Fifina" (1932) with Langston Hughes and "You Can't Pet a Possum" (1934). He confronted racial injustice in his works and protested the Scottsboro Boys trial in Alabama.

Historical Fiction and Library Work

Bontemps wrote historical novels, including "Black Thunder" (1936), based on a slave rebellion led by Gabriel Prosser. He also returned to graduate school and earned a Master's degree in Library Science from the University of Chicago in 1934.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1973, Bontemps passed away from a heart attack. He left behind a legacy as a gifted writer who explored African American history and culture. In 2002, he was listed among the 100 Greatest African Americans by Professor Molefi Kete Asante. Arna Bontemps remains a significant figure in American literature and the Harlem Renaissance.