Paul Laurence Dunbar

Paul Laurence Dunbar has inspired generations of Black people (including Maya Angelou and Nikki Giovanni) with the elegance and keen perception of his writing.

He wrote his first poem at the age of six and went on to publish a dozen books of poetry, four books of short stories, four novels, three plays, and lyrics for two musicals.

He is also one of the many reasons we are proud to be from Dayton, Ohio. His poetry is featured on the path of Metro Parks Riverscape.

He’s known for his poems “We Wear The Mask” and “Sympathy” but be sure to read our favorite poem of his, “Unexpressed,” at the end of the post and more of his beautiful writing!