Paul Lawrence Dunbar, was the first important African American Poet in American Literature and the first poet to write of both a black and white audience in a time when efforts were being made to re-establish slavery. He was also “the first African-American poet to garner national critical acclaim”(43). During his short lifetime Dunbar became known as the “poet laureate of African Americans” (Columbus 45). Paul Lawrence Dunbar was born in Dayton, Ohio in 1872, to two …showed first 75 words of 2013 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2013 total…the point”. Dunbar came under criticism for achieving stereotypes among his white readers, however a careful study of his work will show that he was not the “sell out” he was often accused of being (Rizvi 123). Dunbar's work represents a legacy not only to black Americans but to all people who have loved his poetry. Many have been inspired by his work, which represents a triumph of the human spirit over racism, poverty and adversity.