Category Archives: Writing

Gwendolyn Brooks

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Richard Guzman

Born in Topeka, Kansas, in 1917, Gwendolyn Brooks moved to Chicago as a youngster—and stayed. At the time of her death in November 2000, she was one of the most celebrated poets in American history: the recipient of more than … Continue reading →

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Lorraine Hansberry: The Battle for Fair Housing

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Richard Guzman

We’re still struggling with fair housing. In so many areas of the United States, segregated neighborhoods are as bad as they ever have been—or worse, much worse—while over a million children don’t have homes at all. This made me look … Continue reading →

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Elizabeth Alexander: Praise Song for the Obama Inaugural

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Richard Guzman

As the 2012 election nears—yet another historic one, most say—I think about Elizabeth Alexander, the poet who read her poem “Praise Song for the Day” on January 20, 2009, at the Inaugural of President Barack Obama. The perils of writing … Continue reading →

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