Paul Laurence Dunbar was an influential Black American poet, novelist, and playwright who rose to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1872 in Dayton, Ohio, Dunbar was the son of formerly enslaved parents and displayed a talent for writing from a young age.
Dunbar gained widespread acclaim for his poetry, which skillfully blended African American dialect with traditional English verse forms. His works explored themes of race, identity, love, and the human condition, earning him recognition as one of the foremost literary figures of his time. Despite facing racial discrimination and limited opportunities, Dunbar published numerous collections of poetry, including "Oak and Ivy" and "Lyrics of Lowly Life," which garnered critical praise and helped establish him as a leading voice in American literature.
Dunbar is believed to be the first Black American to earn a living as a writer. In 1962 his home in Dayton became the first national landmark dedicated to honor a Black American.
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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Paul Laurence Dundar