As an African American woman, Brooks faced significant racial discrimination and prejudice throughout her life and career. She was often excluded from literary circles and opportunities due to her race.
-For example, her first book of poetry, "A Street in Bronzeville," was rejected by several publishers before it was finally accepted and published in 1945.
2. Gender Discrimination:
Brooks also encountered gender discrimination in the male-dominated literary world. Female poets and writers were often marginalized and overlooked, and Brooks had to fight for recognition and respect as a woman in the field.
-Despite her remarkable talent and achievements, she was frequently excluded from major literary anthologies and critical discussions.
3. Limited Publishing Opportunities:
During Brooks' early career, there were fewer publishing opportunities for poets, especially those from marginalized communities.
-Mainstream publishers often favored white male poets, leaving Black poets like Brooks with limited options to share their work with wider audience.
4. Economic Hardships:
Brooks and her family faced financial difficulties throughout her life.
-She often had to work multiple jobs to support herself and her family, which limited her time for writing and pursuing her literary ambitions.
-This financial struggle also affected her ability to travel and participate in literary events.
5. Personal Struggles:
In addtion to external challenges, Brooks also grappled with personal struggles that impacted her writing and career.
-She experienced periods of depression and self-doubt, which affected her creative output and productivity.
-Despite these challenges, Brooks persevered, using her writing as a way to express her experiences, emotions, and aspirations as a Black woman in America.