Amina Baraka facts for kids

Amina Baraka (born Sylvia Robinson on December 5, 1942) is an amazing American poet, actress, writer, and community leader. She's also a singer, dancer, and activist. Her poems often talk about fairness for everyone, family, and the strength of women. Her work has appeared in many poetry collections, like Unsettling America. In the 1960s, she was a big part of the Black Arts Movement, which was a time when African American artists created powerful art.

Early Life

Amina Baraka was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. She grew up in Newark, New Jersey. In 1960, she finished high school at Newark Arts High School. After school, she became a dancer, actress, and poet. She joined the Black Arts Movement in Newark. She performed at a cool place called the Cellar at the Jazz Arts Society.

Amina's mother and grandfather were leaders in Newark. They helped organize workers in the 1940s. Their home was a place where people gathered for community events and culture. Her grandparents were blues musicians. They played guitar, harmonica, and piano. Her grandmother was known for helping everyone in the neighborhood. She cooked meals and cared for children.

Career and Creative Work

Amina Baraka started the African Free School in Newark. This school helped children learn about freedom and their community. She also helped create the Newark Art Society in 1963. She wrote and performed dance plays with music at a place called the "loft." This place later became known as the "Cellar."

The Cellar: A Hub for Artists

The Cellar was at 22 Shipman Street in Newark. It was a main spot for Jazz and Art in the city. It was a group of artists who worked together. Famous artists like Art Williams, Bill Harris, and Eddie Gladden were part of it. Many musicians and artists from all over came to perform there. Some of them were Marion Brown, Sun Ra, and Woody Shaw. Amina Baraka and Nettie Rogers hosted music, dance, and poetry events at the Cellar.

Important Projects and Books

In 1974, Amina Baraka organized a conference for African women. It was held at Rutgers University.

In 1978, Amina and her husband, Amiri Baraka, wrote a book of poems together. It was called Songs for the Masses.

They also worked together on other books:

• In 1983, they co-edited Confirmation: An Anthology of African American Women.
• In 1987, they co-edited The Music: Reflections on Jazz and Blues.
• In 1992, they co-edited the poetry book 5 Boptrees.

In 1992, Amina and Amiri Baraka started Kimako's Blues People. This was an art space that showed off artists from Newark.

In 1994, Amina Baraka's poems were included in a collection. It was called Unsettling America: An Anthology of Contemporary Multicultural Poetry.

In 1995, Baraka took part in the Black Women's United Front in Detroit, Michigan.

In 1998, Baraka helped start the Black Radical Congress. This group was in Chicago, Illinois.

In 2001, her poetry was in another collection. It was called Bum Rush the Page: A Def Poetry Jam.

In 2014, she published her own collection of poems. It was titled Blues in All Hues.

Film and Stage Work

Amina Baraka has been in several films:

• 2016: Word Warriors III
• 2007: Keep it Clean
• 2006: The Pact
• 2002: Strange Fruit (a documentary)

She has also performed in stage plays by Amiri Baraka. These include A Black Mass, Slave Ship, Mad Heart, and Home on the Range.

Music Recordings

Amina Baraka has released music recordings:

• 2017: CD The Red Microphone
• 2008: CD recording Variations in Time: A Jazz Perspective

Directing Work

She also co-directed a group called Blue Ark: The Word. This group combined spoken words with music.

Personal Life

Amina Baraka married Walter Vernon Mason in 1960. At that time, her name was Sylvia Robinson. They had two daughters, Vera and Wanda.

In 1966, Amina married Amiri Baraka. He was known as LeRoi Jones back then. They have five children together. Their son, Ras Baraka, later became the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey.

Awards and Honors

Amina Baraka has received several awards for her work:

• In 2015, she got a certificate from the Black Nia F.O.R.C.E. (Freedom Organization for Racial and Cultural Enlightenment).
• Also in 2015, she received a Lifetime Achievement award. This was from the New York Friends of the People's World newspaper.
• In 2022, Amina Baraka was given an Unsung Hero award. This award came from 211 Community Impact, a non-profit group.