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May 1950

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Achievement · literature
Gwendolyn Brooks wins Pulitzer Prize for Annie Allen

Brooks became the first Black American to win the Pulitzer Prize for any category when she received the award for her poetry collection Annie Allen. The milestone broke a barrier that had stood for 34 years and made her a symbol of Black literary achievement during the civil rights era.

Events

  1. May 1950
    Gwendolyn Brooks wins Pulitzer Prize for Annie Allen

    Brooks became the first Black American to win the Pulitzer Prize for any category when she received the award for her poetry collection Annie Allen. The milestone broke a barrier that had stood for 34 years and made her a symbol of Black literary achievement during the civil rights era.

  2. May 1, 1950
    Gwendolyn Brooks wins the Pulitzer

    Brooks becomes the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize.