1. The Life and contributions of
Paul Lawrence Dunbar

4. Paul Lawrence Dunbar was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, where his
parents divorced at a young age. Living with his mother, he was
taught to read and write. She also would read him the bible every day.
Unfortunately, in his school life, Dunbar was the only African-
American in his high school, but it did not stop him to stay active.

5. During high school, Paul Lawrence Dunbar was the editor of the school newspaper
as well as the class president. He was also president of the school literary society.
Based on his activities, Dunbar was a very talented writer. He wrote his first poem
at age six, later becoming one of the best African-American writers in history.

6. Paul Laurence Dunbar later became known for his work. His first
professionally published poems, “On the River” and “Our Martyred
Soldiers” was published on the newspaper in 1888. He later writes
more popular poems and becomes the first African American to get
accepted nationally in poetry.

7. What made Dunbar’s poems so popular was his style of
writing. His style consists of standard English of a classical
poet and the dialect an African American in the South. One
example of his style is Dunbar’s poem “A Border Ballad.”

8. Unfortunately, Paul Laurence Dunbar died at the age of
33 in 1906. Despite his young age, Paul Laurence
Dunbar was known for being the first African American
to be nationally accepted as a famous poet. His work
also influenced the Harlem Renaissance, which is when
African Culture advanced in music, dance, and art.

9. A choice by Paul Laurence Dunbar
They please me not-these solemn songs
That hint of sermons covered up
T’is true the world should heed its wrongs
But in a poem let me sup
Not simples brewed to cure or ease
Humanity’s confessed disease
But the spirit-wine of a singing line,
Or a dew drop in a honey cup!

10. Cites
• https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=
wi
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Laurence_D
unbar
• http://www.dunbarsite.org/
• http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/302