For My People

The Life And Writing of Margaret Walker

A literary biography of a seminal figure of 20th century American literature, Margaret Walker, who established one of the first Black Studies centers in the nation, and mentored the Black Arts movement of the 1960s.

FOR MY PEOPLE combines conversations with Margaret Walker, commentary from leading scholars and readings from her poetry to make a powerful argument for the centrality of her work to 20th century American literature. At the heart of her poetry are the rhythms of African and African American speech and music - gospel, spiritual, ballads and folktales. In contrast to most contemporary poets, she did not aspire to a "personal" poetry but "to write the songs of my people - to frame their dreams into words, their souls into notes."

Margaret Walker is a national treasureHer signature poem 'For My People' is one of the best summaries of the Black experience*." - E. Ethelbert Miller, Howard University

"I can think of no more worthwhile scholarly endeavor than a documentary on the life of Margaret Walker. It will go a long way to solidifying her well-earned place in American letters and will introduce her to new generations of students." - Trudier Harris, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill