Paul Laurence Dunbar Self-Publishes 'Oak and Ivy'

Working as an elevator operator in Dayton, Ohio, Paul Laurence Dunbar self-published his first poetry collection 'Oak and Ivy' at age 21. The collection showcased his mastery of both standard English verse and Black dialect poetry. Dunbar would go on to become the first Black American poet to gain national and international acclaim, opening doors for Black literary expression in mainstream American culture.