Early life
Dale Wimbrow was born into slavery in 1859 on a plantation in South Carolina. His parents were both slaves, and he was the youngest of five children. Wimbrow's father was a skilled blacksmith, and his mother was a seamstress. Wimbrow's parents were able to save enough money to buy their freedom and the freedom of their children before the American Civil War began in 1861. After the war, Wimbrow's family moved to New York City, where he attended public school. Wimbrow was a bright student, and he graduated from high school at the top of his class. He went on to attend college and seminary, and he was eventually ordained as a Methodist minister.
Poetry
Wimbrow began writing poetry in his early 20s. He was inspired by the works of poets such as William Wordsworth, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and John Greenleaf Whittier. Wimbrow's poems often reflected his own personal experiences, as well as the experiences of other African Americans. He wrote about the struggles of slavery, the challenges of freedom, and the importance of education. Wimbrow's poems were often published in newspapers and magazines, and he was eventually recognized as one of the leading African American poets of his time.
Legacy
Dale Wimbrow died in 1938 at the age of 79. He left behind a legacy of powerful poetry that continues to inspire readers today. Wimbrow's work is a valuable reminder of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the United States. He is a poet who should not be forgotten.
Some of Wimbrow's most famous poems include:
* "The School That I Attended"
* "The Old Cabin"
* "My Mother"
* "Freedom"
* "The Negro"
Wimbrow's poems have been anthologized in many collections, including:
* "The Poetry of the Negro" (1927)
* "The Collected Poems of Dale Wimbrow" (1939)
* "The Norton Anthology of African American Literature" (1997)
Wimbrow's work has also been praised by many critics, including:
* "Wimbrow is one of the most important and influential poets of the African American tradition." (Henry Louis Gates, Jr.)
* "Wimbrow's poems are a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit." (Maya Angelou)
* "Wimbrow's work is a vital part of the American literary canon." (Toni Morrison)