Lucille Clifton

# Lucille Clifton

Lucille Clifton was an American poet, writer, and educator known for her powerful and poignant works that often explored themes of family, identity, and resilience. Her poetry is celebrated for its simplicity, depth, and emotional impact.

Early Life

Lucille Clifton was born on June 27, 1936, in Depew, New York. She was the daughter of Samuel L. Sayles and Thelma Moore Sayles. Clifton grew up in Buffalo, New York, where she attended public schools. Her early life was marked by the influence of her parents, who instilled in her a love for storytelling and language.

Education

Clifton attended Howard University from 1953 to 1955, where she studied under the guidance of prominent writers such as Sterling A. Brown and Owen Dodson. She later transferred to the State University of New York at Fredonia, where she continued her education.

Career

Lucille Clifton began her career as a poet in the 1960s. Her first poetry collection, "Good Times," was published in 1969 and was named one of the best books of the year by The New York Times. Clifton's work often focused on the African American experience, women's issues, and the strength of the human spirit.

Poetry

Clifton published numerous poetry collections throughout her career, including "Good News About the Earth" (1972), "An Ordinary Woman" (1974), and "Two-Headed Woman" (1980), which won the Juniper Prize. Her poetry is known for its brevity and clarity, often addressing complex themes with a straightforward style.

Children's Literature

In addition to her poetry, Clifton wrote several children's books, including the "Everett Anderson" series, which depicted the life of a young African American boy. Her children's literature is praised for its realistic portrayal of African American families and communities.

Awards and Honors

Lucille Clifton received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. She was a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and served as the Poet Laureate of Maryland from 1979 to 1985. In 2000, she received the National Book Award for Poetry for her collection "Blessing the Boats: New and Selected Poems 1988 2000."

Personal Life

Clifton married Fred James Clifton, a professor of philosophy, in 1958. The couple had six children together. Her personal experiences as a mother and wife often influenced her writing, providing a rich source of inspiration for her work.

Legacy

Lucille Clifton's work continues to be celebrated for its insight, compassion, and ability to speak to the human condition. Her poetry and prose have left a lasting impact on American literature, inspiring generations of writers and readers.

Related Pages

• African American literature
• Poet Laureate of Maryland
• National Book Award for Poetry