Etheridge Knight African American poet Date of Birth: 19.04.1931 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Influences
2. Incarceration and Poetic Awakening
3. "Poems from Prison" and Release
4. Post-Prison Life and Recognition
5. Themes and Legacy
6. Personal Life and Death
7. Impact and Legacy

Early Life and Influences

Etheridge Knight was born on April 19, 1931, in Corinth, Mississippi, into a poverty-stricken family. Raised in Paducah, Kentucky, he faced racial discrimination and limited opportunities. Knight dropped out of high school at age 16 but realized the consequences of a lack of education.

Incarceration and Poetic Awakening

In 1960, Knight was arrested for robbery and sentenced to 10-25 years in prison. His eight-year incarceration ignited a poetic awakening within him. Inspired by books like "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" and Langston Hughes's poetry, he found solace in writing poems about his experiences.

"Poems from Prison" and Release

Knight's debut collection, "Poems from Prison," published in 1968, received critical acclaim. The poems captured his rage against racial injustice and his newfound purpose as a poet. Through the efforts of poets like Gwendolyn Brooks and Dudley Randall, Knight was granted parole in 1968.

Post-Prison Life and Recognition

Upon his release, Knight married poet Sonia Sanchez and embarked on a teaching career. His third collection, "Belly Song and Other Poems" (1973), earned him widespread recognition, including a National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize nomination. He received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1974 and continued writing prolifically throughout his life.

Themes and Legacy

Knight's poetry frequently explored themes of racism, love, and the role of the poet as a mediator between the poem and the reader. He played a pivotal role in the Black Arts Movement, advocating for the empowerment and expression of black voices.

Personal Life and Death

Knight married Mary McNally in 1972 and had two children. He struggled with drug addiction, which contributed to his marital separation in 1977. He passed away from lung cancer in Indianapolis, Indiana, on March 10, 1991.

Impact and Legacy

Etheridge Knight remains a legendary figure in the world of literature. His poetry continues to resonate with readers, challenging societal norms and inspiring generations. As a trailblazing poet of the Black Arts Movement, his legacy lives on as a testament to the transformative power of creativity and the indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.