Etheridge knight biography of christopher

Etheridge Knight

African American poet
Date of Birth: 19.04.1931
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Early Life and Influences
  2. Incarceration and Poetic Awakening
  3. "Poems from Prison" and Release
  4. Post-Prison Life and Recognition
  5. Themes and Legacy
  6. Personal Life and Death
  7. Impact and Legacy

Early Life and Influences

Etheridge Knight was born on April 19, 1931, in Corinth, Mississippi, into a poverty-stricken family.

Raised in Paducah, Kentucky, he faced racial discrimination and limited opportunities.

Light Strike the Cave: Reading Etheridge Knight

Knight dropped out of high school at age 16 but realized the consequences of a lack of education.

Incarceration and Poetic Awakening

In 1960, Knight was arrested for robbery and sentenced to 10-25 years in prison. His eight-year incarceration ignited a poetic awakening within him. Inspired by books like "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" and Langston Hughes's poetry, he found solace in writing poems about his experiences.

"Poems from Prison" and Release

Knight's debut co Etheridge Knight (1931-1991) - Blackpast HUJ