Cheryl Clarke facts for kids

Cheryl L. Clarke (born May 16, 1947) is an American poet, writer, educator, and community activist. She was born in Washington, D.C.. Her work often explores the experiences of African-American women. She is known as an important voice in Black feminist thought.

For over 40 years, Clarke worked at Rutgers University. She was the first director of an office that supported students from many different backgrounds. This office was later named the Office of Social Justice Education and LBT Communities. Even after retiring, she still teaches at the university. Clarke also helps lead the Newark Pride Alliance, a group that supports the community in Newark, New Jersey.

Early Life and Education

Cheryl Clarke was born in Washington, D.C., during the American civil rights movement. Her parents were James Sheridan Clarke, a World War II veteran, and Edna Clarke. She was one of five children. Her family was descended from freed slaves who moved to the capital city after the Civil War.

Clarke's childhood was shaped by the fight for civil rights. When she was 13, she crossed a picket line where activists were protesting against segregation. Her mother, a strong union member, explained to her why people protest. She told her to never cross a picket line again. This taught Clarke about the importance of direct action.

When she was 16, her parents took her to the famous 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The day before the march, she happened to meet Martin Luther King Jr., who gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech the next day.

Clarke went to parochial schools in Washington, D.C. In 1965, she started at Howard University and earned a degree in English in 1969. She then went to Rutgers University for graduate school. Over the years, she earned a Master of Arts, a Master of Social Work, and a PhD. She began working at Rutgers in 1970 and retired in 2013 after a long career, including serving as a dean of students.

Writing Career

Clarke has written five books of poetry. She is also the author of important books of essays and studies. One of her major works is After Mecca — Women Poets and the Black Arts Movement (2005). This book looks at the important role of women poets during a key period in African-American arts.

Her writing has appeared in many journals, magazines, and collections. Two of her essays became very well-known. They are often read in college classes for women's studies, Black studies, and English.

Important Ideas in Her Writing

A lot of Clarke's writing focuses on making sure everyone's voice is heard. In one famous 1981 essay, she wrote about the importance of accepting people for who they are and who they love. She argued that standing up for the rights of all women was a powerful way to create change.

In another well-known essay from 1983, Clarke wrote about prejudice within the Black community. She argued that to achieve true freedom and equality, the community needed to fight all forms of prejudice. This included standing up for Black community members who were treated unfairly because of who they loved. She believed that leaving anyone behind would weaken the entire movement for liberation.

The Black Arts Movement

Clarke's work is connected to the Black Arts Movement. This movement took place from about 1965 to 1975. It was a time when Black artists, writers, and thinkers created art that celebrated Black culture and history.

Clarke contributed to this movement by focusing on the stories of Black women. She made sure their experiences were seen and valued. Her work helped expand the movement to include more diverse voices and stories.

Community Work

Clarke has always been active in her community. She has served on the boards of many organizations that fight for justice and support people in need. These include groups working against violence and groups supporting health and education.

Today, she is on the board of the Newark Pride Alliance. This is a nonprofit organization that works to support and celebrate the LGBTQ community in Newark.

Clarke lives in Jersey City, New Jersey. She and her partner, Barbara Balliet, own a bookstore called Bleinheim Hill Books.

Hobart Festival of Women Writers

In 2013, Clarke and her sister, Breena Clarke, started the Hobart Festival of Women Writers. This yearly event brings together women writers to share their work. It includes workshops, art shows, and discussions. The festival helps support and celebrate women's voices in literature.

Works

• Narratives: Poems in the Tradition of Black Women (1983)
• Living as a Lesbian (1986)
• Humid Pitch (1989)
• Experimental Love (1993)
• By My Precise Haircut (2016)