Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in February 1818, on Holmes Hill Farm in Maryland, near the town of Easton. Douglass eventually escaped slavery and fled to New York City in 1838. He became deeply involved with the abolitionist movement and his autobiography, "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass," was published in 1845. Douglass’ book illuminated the heinous conditions of slavery and showed his struggle to attain freedom.
Zora Neale Hurston was born on January 7, 1901, in Eatonville. After attending Howard University, Hurston moved to New York. Hurston became very involved with the Harlem Renaissance, collaborating with the likes of Langston Hughes. Her most acclaimed and recognized book is "Their Eyes Were Watching God," published in 1937.
Richard Wright was born on a plantation near Natchez, Mississippi, on September 4, 1908. After writing several short stories, Wright finally published a collection of short stories, "Uncle Tom’s Children," in 1938. His first novel, "Native Son," was published in 1940. Wright is admired for his ability to create works that respond directly to the social and intellectual issues of his time.
James Baldwin was born in Harlem, New York, on August 2, 1924. Baldwin wasn’t a stranger to poverty and grew up yearning for a life beyond Harlem. His determination to escape led to his passion for knowledge; by the age of 14, he was deeply interested in writing and literature. During the early part of his teen years, Baldwin became a preacher. Later on, Baldwin worked as a freelancer. After many years of freelancing, Baldwin moved to Paris and finally began writing his own novels. His first novel, "Go Tell It on the Mountain," was published in 1953. Other notable books include "Notes of a Native Son" (1955), "Giovanni’s Room" (1956), and "The Fire Next Time" (1963). Baldwin also was active during the civil rights movement and is regarded as one of the key figures in the American canon.
Maya Angelou was born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. Her first book, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," was published in 1970. Noted for its poetry and lyricism, the book is an autobiography that reflects the author’s own struggle to attain and understand her identity.