Arna Wendell Bontemps
- Born:
- October 13, 1902, Alexandria, Louisiana, USA
- Died:
- June 4, 1973, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Poet, Novelist, Librarian, Educator
Early Life and Education
- Moved to Los Angeles, California during the Great Migration.
- Graduated from San Fernando Academy in 1920.
- Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pacific Union College in 1923.
- Master's degree from the University of Chicago in 1943.
Career and Major Achievements
- Key figure in the Harlem Renaissance.
- Taught at various institutions, including Oakwood Junior College, Fisk University, and Yale University.
- Served as Head Librarian at Fisk University from 1943 until his retirement in 1965, building its significant African American literature collection.
- Contributed significantly to the study and preservation of African American literature and history.
- Authored and co-authored numerous works across various genres.
Notable Works
- Novels: God Sends Sunday (1931), Black Thunder (1936), Drums at Dusk (1939).
- Poetry: Personals (1963).
- Children's Literature: Co-authored several books, including Popo and Fifina (1932) with Langston Hughes.
- Non-Fiction: Edited and co-edited numerous collections and anthologies.
- Plays: Co-authored several plays, including adaptations of his novels.
Legacy and Impact
Arna Bontemps played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of African American literature and scholarship. His contributions as a writer, educator, and librarian significantly advanced the study and appreciation of African American culture and history. This 'arna bontemps biography' highlights the wide-ranging impact he had on the Harlem Renaissance and beyond.