City Personnel
In the spirit of this celebration of creativity for Black History Month, we are privileged to present 103 influential black artists and activists whose works have made a mark on the global stage. Join us in honoring these visionaries and celebrating the rich tapestry of black creativity.
A pioneering writer and anthropologist, known for her literary contributions to the Harlem Renaissance and her groundbreaking work “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”
(1891-1960 Rest in Power)
An iconic poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist whose powerful words continue to inspire and resonate with readers worldwide.
(1928-2014 Rest in Power)
A Nobel Prize in Literature-winning author celebrated for her masterful storytelling and profound exploration of the African American experience in novels such as “Beloved” and “Song of Solomon.”
(1931-2019 Rest in Power)
A trailblazing science fiction writer whose imaginative narratives challenged traditional genre conventions and addressed themes of race, gender, and power dynamics.
(1947-2006 Rest in Power)
A leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance, renowned for his poetry and novels exploring the complexities of Black identity and diasporic experiences.
(1890-1948 Rest in Power)
A prolific essayist, playwright, and novelist whose examination of race, sexuality, and societal norms continues to shape discussions on identity and social justice.
(1924-1987 Rest in Power)
The author of the seminal novel “Invisible Man,” a compelling exploration of Black identity and visibility in a racially divided America.
(1914-1994 Rest in Power)
An influential poet, civil rights activist, and feminist thinker whose writing centered on issues of race, gender, and sexuality, advocating for social change and empowerment.
(1934-1992 Rest in Power)
A renowned playwright whose ten-play cycle, “The Pittsburgh Cycle,” vividly captures the African American experience throughout the 20th century, earning him two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama.
(1945-2005 Rest in Power)
A prolific poet, playwright, and leader of the Harlem Renaissance, known for his poetic portrayals of Black life, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
(1901-1967 Rest in Power)
An influential playwright, poet, and novelist recognized for her choreopoem “for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf,” a powerful exploration of Black female experiences.
(1948-2018 Rest in Power)
A distinguished poet whose deeply personal and lyrical verses addressed themes of family, womanhood, and African American heritage, earning her numerous literary accolades.
(1936-2010 Rest in Power)