Jayne Cortez
- Born:
- May 10, 1934, Fort Huachuca, Arizona, USA
- Died:
- December 28, 2012, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Poet, Activist, Performance Artist
Early Life and Education
- Born Mae Baines to African-American parents.
- Grew up in Watts, Los Angeles, California.
- Experienced racial segregation and poverty firsthand, shaping her political consciousness.
- Attended Compton Junior College.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began writing poetry in the 1960s, becoming a prominent voice in the Black Arts Movement.
- Founded the Organization of Women Writers of Africa (OWWA).
- Traveled extensively, performing her poetry internationally.
- Collaborated with musicians, including her son, Denardo Coleman, blending jazz and poetry.
- Authored numerous books of poetry, essays, and children's literature.
Notable Works
Published Works
- Pissstained Stairs and the Monkey Man's Wares (1969)
- Festivals and Funerals (1971)
- Mouth on Paper (1977)
- Somewhere in Advance of Nowhere (1996)
- Jazz Fan Looks Back (2002)
Discography
| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| Celebrations and Solitudes | 1974 |
| Maintain Control | 1986 |
| Everywhere Drums | 1990 |
| Cheerful & Optimistic | 1994 |
| Taking the Blues Back Home | 1996 |
| Borders of Disorderly Time | 2003 |
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Legacy and Impact
- Her work addressed themes of racial injustice, political oppression, and women's experiences.
- Influenced generations of poets and artists with her powerful voice and innovative style.
- Her poetry is celebrated for its rhythmic intensity, sharp imagery, and political consciousness.
- Her activism contributed to the fight for social justice and equality.
Jayne Cortez's legacy lies in her powerful poetry, activism, and influence on the Black Arts Movement, leaving behind a significant impact on literature and social justice.