Sterling A. Brown

Born on May 1, 1901, in Washington, D.C., Sterling A. Brown became an American poet, critic, folklorist, and teacher whose work centered on Black life and culture in the United States. He studied at Williams College and Harvard University, then spent most of his career teaching at Howard University.

Brown is especially remembered for poetry that drew on blues, ballads, spirituals, and the spoken language of ordinary people. His 1932 collection Southern Road is widely known for its vivid portraits of working people and its honest attention to the hardships, humor, and strength found in everyday life.

Along with his poetry, he wrote important criticism and scholarship on African American literature and folklore. He died on January 13, 1989, but his writing remains valued for its musical language, sharp observation, and lasting influence on American literature.