In celebration of the 75th anniversary of “Annie Allen,” Gwendolyn Brooks’ literary triumph, Brooks Permissions and partners are launching a series of events, re-releases, and the Living Legacy project to honor the poet’s enduring influence on Black female writers and the literary world (Photos courtesy of Brooks Permissions).
Nearly 75 years ago, Chicago Defender writer Gertrude Martin praised Gwendolyn Brooks, a burgeoning literary force from the South Side, for her book of poems “Annie Allen.”
“In Annie Allen, Gwendolyn Brooks again demonstrates her distinguished poetic talent,” wrote Martin in an article published on Oct. 1, 1949. “Good poetry is a continuing joy and Miss Brooks’ “Annie Allen” certainly comes under that heading.”
The Chicago Defender article on Gwendolyn Brooks’ “Annie Allen.”
Critics agreed on the poetry collection that chronicles a Black girl who blooms into womanhood. Seven months after publication, “Annie Allen” garnered Brooks the coveted Pulitzer Prize, making her the first Black person to earn the esteemed award.
Brooks Permissions Celebrates Gwendolyn Brooks’ Legacy
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of Annie Allen’s publication and subsequent Pulitzer honor, Brooks Permissions—the firm that manages Mrs. Brooks’ literary works—is ensuring her mother’s work continues to inspire generations. With help from the Poetry Foundation and Bronzeville Historical Society, Brooks Permissions is throwing a party from October to May and inviting other individuals and organizations to join in.
“What we really want is to encourage artists, regular people, arts and other cultural organizations to fill this calendar, to say, ‘These are the things that we would like to do to celebrate this signature event,'” said Nora Brooks Blakely, president of Brooks Permissions and Mrs. Brooks’ daughter.
The plan is to party like it’s 1999, in Blakely’s words, and to celebrate Mrs. Brooks’s legacy and the poets who continue to create in her tradition.
The ‘Living Legacy’ Project
One of the tentpole programs of this celebration is Brooks Permissions’ Living Legacy project, which honors living Black female poets. Mrs. Brooks was all about fostering the next generation of writers.
“Anybody who knows anything about Mama knows that she was borderline obsessive about supporting and encouraging other writers, especially younger writers. But other writers, period,” Brooks Blakely said.
Through the Living Legacy program, Brooks Permissions has already accepted over 400 nominations of Black women writers worldwide who, no matter their stature in the literary world, are committed to producing “coherent, meticulous poetry ” and “committed to speaking about the culture,” adds Brooks Blakely.
Brooks Permissions is continuing to accept nominations for this project through Oct. 9.
A New Edition of ‘Annie Allen’
Also in the works is the release of a new edition of “Annie Allen,” featuring essays from acclaimed poets and scholars, such as Pulitzer Prize-winner Tyehimba Jess, Furious Flower Poetry Center founder Joanne Gabbin and Northwestern’s Reginald Gibbons.
Moreover, the new edition will include the original 1950 Pulitzer jury letter, which highlighted the body’s decision to award the prize to Mrs. Brooks—unprecedented recognition for any Black writer at the time.
The book, scheduled to be published on Oct. 1, is now available for pre-order (see below).
Brooks Permissions is also developing a calendar of events from other organizations launching programs honoring those critical milestones around “Annie Allen.”
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
An early photo of Gwendolyn Brooks (Photo courtesy of Brooks Permissions).
The intention behind this celebration is clear: to remind current generations of Gwendolyn Brooks’ unparalleled excellence in the arts and letters and the enduring relevance of her work.
Brooks Blakely cites poems that her mother wrote, such as “Patrick Bouie of Cabrini Green” and “The Boy Died in My Alley,” which deal with issues of violence and loss that still resonate today.
She also mentions her mother’s uplifting works like “Paul Robeson”:
“…we are each other’s
harvest:
we are each other’s
business:
we are each other’s
magnitude and bond.”
“For all of that, for the messages and the statements that are still true, for her life example of her commitment to supporting community and supporting other arts,” said Brooks Blakely of her mother, Mrs. Brooks, “All of those are examples of why this is an important, but I would say a critical legacy to hold on to and to emulate.”
Ensuring Gwendolyn Brooks’ Renown
Ultimately, the aim is for Mrs. Brooks’ name to receive the honor and renown accorded to other giants in their respective fields.
“You know Beyonce, you know Michael Jordan and you know Gwendolyn Brooks. We want her day to be on everybody’s lips,” Brooks Blakely said of her mother. “You might watch documentaries on Michael Jordan, or you might not, but you know who Michael Jordan is. You may like or not like Beyonce’s music, but you know who Beyonce is. And that’s what we want for Gwendolyn Brooks, that you may only know one or two of her poems, or you may know none of her poems, but you know who she is,” she said.
“And it’s amazing the number of people who do not.”
To learn more about the celebrations and events commemorating Gwendolyn Brooks and the 75th Anniversary of her book, “Annie Allen,” including information on pre-ordering the new edition, visit www.gwendolynbrooks.net.
Brooks Permissions invites public participation in this international event, featuring programming and presentations from artists, cultural organizations, and institutions. They welcome submissions for events, classes, lectures, and performances. Send your ideas to [email protected].
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