Countee Cullen, a prolific and influential African-American poet, was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that spanned the 1920s and 1930s. Born May 30, 1903 in New York City, Cullen was adopted and raised by Reverend Frederick A. Cullen, a prominent Harlem minister, and his wife.
Cullen’s work as a poet was characterized by his ability to meld traditional European poetic forms with themes and subject matter drawn from the African-American experience. His first collection of poetry, Color, published in 1925, was met with widespread acclaim and established him as a leading voice in the Harlem Renaissance.
Throughout his career, Countee Cullen sought to elevate American literature by engaging with themes of racial identity, injustice, and spirituality. He often explored these subjects through the lens of personal and collective experience, using vivid imagery and rich language to evoke emotional responses from his readers. In this way, his poetry transcended the boundaries of race and culture, resonating with audiences both within and beyond the African-American community.
As a literary figure, Countee Cullen played a crucial role in redefining how African-American literature was perceived and understood. Today, Cullen’s legacy endures as a testament to the power of art to challenge stereotypes, foster understanding, and promote social change.
A Brown Girl Dead
With two white roses on her breasts,
White candles at head and feet,
Dark Madonna of the grave she rests;
Lord Death has found her sweet.
Her mother pawned her wedding ring
To lay her out in white;
She’d be so proud she’d dance and sing
To see herself tonight.
-Countee Cullen
Curated by Jennifer
