Black History

Paul Laurence Dunbar: The Trailblazing Poet and Literary Luminary

Paul Laurence Dunbar, born on June 27, 1872, emerged as one of the most influential Black poets in American literature. His powerful dialect verse and extensive literary contributions made him a celebrated figure both nationally and internationally.

Published

2 years ago

July 20, 2023

Oakland Post

Paul Lawrence Dunbar. Public domain photo.

By Tamara Shiloh

While attending high school in Dayton, Ohio, Dunbar showed remarkable literary promise. Despite being the only African American student in his class, he excelled as a poet and editor, immersing himself in various literary endeavors.

By the time he graduated in 1889, Dunbar had already published poems in local newspapers and worked as an editor for a Black newspaper. His early writings displayed a deep understanding of racial and societal issues, foreshadowing the profound themes that would come to define his literary works.

Dunbar initially aspired to pursue a career in law, but financial constraints prevented him from attending university. He found employment as an elevator operator, which allowed him time to continue writing.

During this period, Dunbar produced articles, short stories, and poems, including his notable dialect poems that would later gain him recognition. In 1892, he was invited to address the Western Association of Writers, which led to increased exposure and support from prominent literary figures such as James Whitcomb Riley.

Bolstered by their encouragement, Dunbar self-published his first collection of poems, “Oak and Ivy,’’ in 1893, garnering widespread acclaim.

His subsequent collection, “Majors and Minors,” brought him even greater fame, particularly through the positive review by acclaimed writer William Dean Howells. Dunbar’s dialect poems resonated with readers, and his work was praised for its faithful portrayal of African American experiences.

Dunbar continued to publish poetry collections, short stories, and novels, exploring themes of racial prejudice and the impact of slavery. Despite some criticism for perpetuating stereotypes, Dunbar’s contributions to African American literature were invaluable and sparked important discussions about race and identity.

Diagnosed with tuberculosis, Paul Laurence Dunbar’s health declined rapidly in his final years, and he passed away on Feb. 9, 1906, at the age of 33. In the years following his death, his reputation faced scrutiny, but in recent times, Dunbar’s stature has risen once again. His works are celebrated for capturing the history and celebration of Black life, solidifying his place as a literary luminary.

Paul Laurence Dunbar’s literary legacy as a pioneering Black poet remains a significant contribution to American literature, shedding light on the experiences of African Americans during the turn of the 20th century and securing his place as a seminal figure in literary history.

Wikipedia is the source for this story.

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Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

Published

3 hours ago

May 25, 2025

Oakland Post

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OPINION: Your Voice and Vote Impact the Quality of Your Health Care

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

Published

6 days ago

May 19, 2025

Oakland Post

Rhonda M. Smith.

By Rhonda M. Smith, Special to California Black Media Partners

Shortly after last year’s election, I hopped into a Lyft and struck up a conversation with the driver. As we talked, the topic inevitably turned to politics. He confidently told me that he didn’t vote — not because he supported Donald Trump, but because he didn’t like Kamala Harris’ résumé. When I asked what exactly he didn’t like, he couldn’t specifically articulate his dislike or point to anything specific. In his words, he “just didn’t like her résumé.”

That moment really hit hard for me. As a Black woman, I’ve lived through enough election cycles to recognize how often uncertainty, misinformation, or political apathy keep people from voting, especially Black voters whose voices are historically left out of the conversation and whose health, economic security, and opportunities are directly impacted by the individual elected to office, and the legislative branches and political parties that push forth their agenda.

That conversation with the Lyft driver reflects a troubling surge in fear-driven politics across our country. We’ve seen White House executive orders gut federal programs meant to help our most vulnerable populations and policies that systematically exclude or harm Black and underserved communities.

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, doesn’t just cover care. It protects individuals and families from medical debt, keeps rural hospitals open, creates jobs, and helps our communities thrive. Simply put; Medicaid is a lifeline for 1 in 5 Black Americans. For many, it’s the only thing standing between them and a medical emergency they can’t afford, especially with the skyrocketing costs of health care. The proposed cuts mean up to 7.2 million Black Americans could lose their healthcare coverage, making it harder for them to receive timely, life-saving care. Cuts to Medicaid would also result in fewer prenatal visits, delayed cancer screenings, unfilled prescriptions, and closures of community clinics. When healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable, it doesn’t just harm individuals, it weakens entire communities and widens inequities.

The reality is Black Americans already face disproportionately higher rates of poorer health outcomes. Our life expectancy is nearly five years shorter in comparison to White Americans. Black pregnant people are 3.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy or postpartum than their white counterparts.

These policies don’t happen in a vacuum. They are determined by who holds power and who shows up to vote. Showing up amplifies our voices. Taking action and exercising our right to vote is how we express our power.

I urge you to start today. Call your representatives, on both sides of the aisle, and demand they protect Medicaid (Medi-Cal), the Affordable Care Act (Covered CA), and access to food assistance programs, maternal health resources, mental health services, and protect our basic freedoms and human rights. Stay informed, talk to your neighbors and register to vote.

About the Author

Rhonda M. Smith is the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity for all Black Californians.

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IN MEMORIAM: Nate Holden, State Senator and Longtime Los Angeles Councilmember, Dies at 95

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn described Holden as “a lion” in the State Senate and a force to be reckoned with on the Los Angeles City Council.” Hahn added that she learned a lot working with Holden when she was a new councilmember.

Published

6 days ago

May 19, 2025

Oakland Post

Former Los Angeles Councilmember and California State Sen. Nate Holden. File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Former Los Angeles City Councilmember Nathaniel “Nate” Holden, a prominent figure in the city’s politics, passed away at the age of 95, his family confirmed on May 7.

Holden, who represented South Los Angeles for 16 years on the City Council and served one term in the California State Senate, was widely regarded as a forceful advocate for his community.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn described Holden as “a lion” in the State Senate and a force to be reckoned with on the Los Angeles City Council.”

Hahn added that she learned a lot working with Holden when she was a new councilmember.

Holden’s journey to political prominence began in the segregated South, where he was born in Macon, Georgia, in 1929. He often recalled the childhood moment when he first heard the governor of Georgia vowing to continue suppressing Black people.

“Doing the best you can for the people. Law and order. Make sure that people’s communities are safe. I did it all,” said Holden, reflecting on his legacy.

Holden is survived by his sons, including former California Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represented a district in Southern California that includes Pasadena and Altadena in Los Angeles County and cities in San Bernardino County.