Carolyn Baxter facts for kids
Carolyn Baxter (born in 1953) is an amazing African-American poet, playwright, and musician. She grew up in Harlem, New York. Carolyn was part of the Black Panthers School Breakfast Program, which helped feed children in her community.
She also spent time at the New York City Correctional Institute for Women at Rikers Island. While there, her writings became an important part of the Prison Arts Movement. This movement was a way for people in correctional facilities to express themselves through art and writing.
About Carolyn Baxter
Carolyn Baxter has always been dedicated to helping others. She worked for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The NAACP is a group that works for equal rights and justice for African Americans.
She was also a member of the Black Panthers Party. This group worked to support their communities. For example, they ran the School Breakfast Program, which gave free meals to kids.
Carolyn also worked for the New York City Board of Education. She helped create programs for young people who had been in trouble. These programs aimed to help them get back on track.
Her Time at Rikers Island
While at the New York City Correctional Institute for Women at Rikers Island, Carolyn joined the Free Space Writing Project. This project gave her a chance to write and share her stories. Her writings are a key part of the Prison Arts Movement from the 1970s and 1980s.
She was at the facility at the same time as another talented artist, the singer and poet Marilyn Buck. After her time there, Carolyn went on to attend BARD College. This shows her dedication to learning and growing.
Her Work on Display
Carolyn Baxter's powerful writings have been recognized by many. Brown University, a famous college, held an exhibit called Poetry in the Time of Mass Incarceration. This exhibit showed Baxter's writings to the public. It was on display at the John Hay Library's Willis Reading Room from September 2015 to January 4, 2016.
Her work helps people understand the experiences of those who have been in correctional facilities. It shows how art can be a way to share important messages and stories.
