“Poet: This word describes every cell of Gwendolyn Brooks' being. It has always been poetry: from her childhood in Chicago to the 1950 Pulitzer Prize, to the awakening of social consciousness, to her status as Poet Laureate of Illinois, and through all the other honors and awards. It has always been poetry, and few writers other than Brooks can say much in so few words ("Brooks, Gwendolyn (Elizabeth)"). Gwendolyn Brooks was born on June 7, 1917, in Topeka, Kansas. She was the daughter of Keziah Wims Brooks and David Anderson Brooks, a school teacher and custodian. After marriage, her parents moved to South Chicago, where Gwendolyn spent her childhood and adulthood. As a poet, Gwendolyn was influenced by her neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, influenced by what was happening in her life and around her. Gwendolyn's poetry spoke to the daily lives of African Americans, urban culture, as well as issues related to race and gender. “Brooks consistently places vital importance on all aspects of Black life, depicts Black people as subjects, and captures the events of the past, the concerns of the present, and the promise of the future while harnessing the interconnectedness of life and the unity of life black. all the worlds --- the living, the dead, and the unborn” (Brooks, Gwendolyn (1917-2000)). Growing up, Gwendolyn's home life was good, although her family was not very "rich". Brooks is said to “remember a loving family atmosphere throughout his childhood” (“Brooks, Gwendolyn (Elizabeth)”). Although Gwendolyn had a good home life, her time at school was different. Throughout her school years, she never really fit in. This is mainly due to its appearance. She received criticism from her peers... middle of paper... Encyclopedia of Women's Biography, "one of the most influential poets of the twentieth century", and during her lifetime she wrote poems that influenced others but also gave lessons, raised awareness of important issues. Gwendolyn's poetry spoke to the daily lives of African Americans, urban culture, as well as issues surrounding race and gender and did so to the best of her ability. He had a unique writing style, different but still literally correct. She died at the age of eighty-three, at her home in Chicago, on December 3, 2000. Brooks is a poet who will always be remembered for the great work she did. From writing poetry, to being an active part of the community, to educating young people, as well as people of all ages around the world. Gwendolyn Brooks will always be remembered as an important figure in the world of poetry.