Frank Marshall Davis Quotes
- Journalist
- 1905 - 1987
Frank Marshall Davis (1905-1987) was an American poet, journalist, and political activist. He was a prominent figure in the African-American literary community and a key figure in the Chicago Black Renaissance of the 1940s and 1950s. He is best known for his autobiographical work, Living the Blues (…Read More
Frank Marshall Davis (1905-1987) was an American poet, journalist, and political activist. He was a prominent figure in the African-American literary community and a key figure in the Chicago Black Renaissance of the 1940s and 1950s. He is best known for his autobiographical work, Living the Blues (1992), which chronicles his life in Chicago and his involvement in the civil rights movement. He also wrote several volumes of poetry, including Black Man’s Verse (1935), I Am the American Negro (1947), and 47th Street (1948). Davis was a major influence on the work of poet Gwendolyn Brooks and a mentor to a young Barack Obama.Read Less
Frank Marshall Davis (1905-1987) was an American poet, journalist, and political activist. He was a prominent figure in the African-American literary community and a key figure in the Chicago Black Renaissance of the 1940s and 1950s. He is best known for his autobiographical work, Living the Blues (1992), which chronicles his life in Chicago and his involvement in the civil rights movement. He also wrote several volumes of poetry, including Black Man’s Verse (1935), I Am the American Negro (1947), and 47th Street (1948). Davis was a major influence on the work of poet Gwendolyn Brooks and a mentor to a young Barack Obama.
Frank Marshall Davis Career Highlights
- Frank Marshall Davis was a prominent African American journalist, poet, and political activist.
- He was born on December 31, 1905, in Arkansas City, Kansas.
- Davis attended Kansas State Agricultural College (now Kansas State University) and later transferred to Friends University in Wichita, Kansas.
- In the 1920s, Davis moved to Chicago and became involved in the city’s vibrant literary and cultural scene.
- He worked as a journalist for several African American newspapers, including the Chicago Star and the Atlanta Daily World.
- Davis also published several books of poetry, including “Black Man’s Verse” and “47th Street: Poems.”
- In the 1940s, Davis moved to Hawaii and became the editor-in-chief of the Honolulu Record, a progressive newspaper.
- He was a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice, and his writing often addressed issues of race and inequality.
- Davis also mentored a young Barack Obama during his teenage years in Hawaii.
Key Contributions by Frank Marshall Davis
- Davis was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated African American art, literature, and music.
- He used his writing to challenge racial stereotypes and advocate for the rights of African Americans.
- Davis’s poetry often explored themes of identity, community, and social justice.
- As a journalist, Davis provided a platform for marginalized voices and covered important civil rights events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
- Davis’s influence on a young Barack Obama is evident in the former president’s memoir, “Dreams from My Father,” where he refers to Davis as a mentor and friend.
What Sets Frank Marshall Davis Apart
- Davis’s writing and activism were ahead of his time, as he fearlessly spoke out against racism and injustice during a time when it was dangerous to do so.
- He was a multi-talented individual, excelling in both journalism and poetry.
- Davis’s impact on the literary and political landscape of the United States is often overlooked, but his contributions were significant and influential.
Takeaways
- Frank Marshall Davis was a trailblazing journalist, poet, and activist who used his talents to fight for social justice and equality.
- His work continues to inspire and influence writers and activists today.
- Davis’s legacy serves as a reminder of the power of words and the importance of using them to speak truth to power.