On this day, Paul Laurence Dunbar, one of the first influential Black poets in American literature, published his debut poetry collection, Oak and Ivy. At just 21 years old, Dunbar self-published the book and sold copies while working as an elevator operator in Dayton, Ohio. Oak and Ivy showcased both standard English and dialect poems, reflecting the duality of his experience as a Black man in America. His work helped pave the way for future generations of African American writers.
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