Amiri Baraka

Amiri Baraka photo

Amiri Baraka is a 5-Time AALBC.com Bestselling Author

Amiri Baraka (October 7, 1934 – January 9, 2014) was one of the most prolific African American writers of the 20th century. Baraka, formerly known as LeRoi Jones and Imamu Amear Baraka, was an acclaimed poet and the Obie-winning playwright of Dutchman. His long list of writing credits includes: Blues People; Home; Social Essays; Black Fire; Selected Poetry of Amiri Baraka / LeRoi Jones and Selected Plays and Prose of Amiri Baraka/LeRoi Jones.  Up until his passing He continued to be active in the struggle against racism and capitalism, to organize artists, and to participate in the struggle for Black Liberation.

In July of 2002 Baraka was appointed the 2nd Poet Laureate for the state of New Jersey. After a public reading of the poem "Somebody Blew Up America" at the September 2002 Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival. The poem was accused of being anti-Semitic (completely missing the point of the poem - judge for yourself).  The outrage was so intense Baraka was asked to step down as Poet Laureate by the Governor.   When Baraka refused  the state passed legislation to eliminate the position. Baraka is the father of the current [2016] Newark Mayor, Ras J. Baraka

Learn more at Amiri Baraka’s official website



21 Books by Amiri Baraka