Paul Laurence Dunbar Renowned African-American poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar rose from an impoverished childhood in Dayton, Ohio, to international success as a writer and as an effective voice for equality and justice for African Americans (Howard, Revell). He met and associated with other historical men such as Fredrick Douglass, Booker T. Washington and his Dayton neighbors Orville and Wilbur Wright (Harvard, Columbus). Dunbar's personal story, as well as his writings, are still a source of inspiration to all Americans (Poupard). Dunbar was born on June 27, 1872 in Dayton, Ohio to Matilda and Joshua Dunbar, former slaves from Kentucky (Van Doren 296, Columbus). Their family was extremely poor because Joshua could not find a job. Racism was still strong in Ohio, even though slavery was against the law at the time. To help their parents, Paul and his two half-brothers performed household chores such as collecting firewood, raking leaves, and cutting grass (Howard). Matilda always provided inspiration to her children by reading, supporting them and encouraging them to be creative. He loved fiction, songs and poetry. This influenced Paul throughout his life, and it was she who instilled in him the "desire to achieve" (Columbus). Dunbar's parents separated in 1874, after having two children. Despite this, Paul was still able to achieve results. He wrote his first poem at the age of six and recited it publicly at the age of nine (Howard). Her first public reading occurred on her birthday in 1892. After Joshua left, Matilda was forced to work in Dayton as a laundress to support her family (Columbus). Joshua died when Paul was just twelve years old (Poupard). Joshua's death only strengthened the bond between Paul and his mother (Revell). Dunbar was very popular I love...... middle of paper ......urence Dunbar" http://www.udayton.edu/ ~dunbar/biopld.htm (1/30/98) G's Biographical Dictionary & C Merriam Co. Websters Springfield, MA: G & C Merriam Company Publishers, 1966. 450 Howard, Connie Jean "Paul Laurence Dunbar." /www.coax.net/people/lwf/dunbar.htm (9 May 1999) Howells. , WD The Complete Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar New York: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1968 O'Neill, John of World Biography Vol. 3. St. Louis, MO: McGraw-Hill Inc., 1973. 473Poupard, Dennis ( ed.) Laurence Dunbar, Boston, Mass.: Twayne Publishers, 1979Van Doren, Charles Websters American Biographies, MA: G & C Merriam Company Publishers,1979. 296