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Birth
Amiri Baraka was born on October 7, 1934, in Newark, New Jersey. -
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World War II
The Second World War takes place, impacting the lives of many Americans, including Baraka's family and community. -
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Education
Baraka changed his name to LeRoi James while attending Howard University, where he studied poetry and jazz after becoming interested in both during high school. It was in 1954 that he graduated with a degree in English. -
Air Force
After earning his degree he went straight into the Air Force. Imamu served for about three years. -
Discharged
After three years of service, Baraka received a dishonorable discharge for owning inappropriate texts. Looking for a fresh start Baraka moved to Greenwich Village, New York City, where, in addition to attending Columbia University and The New School, he became involved in the Beat movement. -
Gets Married
This is the year Amiri Baraka gets married to his first wife Hettie Cohen. -
First Born
His first daughter is born! They named her, Kellie Jones. -
His Work Gets Published!
Baraka released Preface to a Twenty Volume Suicide Note, his first significant collection of poems. -
Second Daughter
Lisa Victoria Chapman Jones born August 15, 1961. She later became an American playwright, essayist, journalist, and memoirist. -
March on Washington
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom takes place, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, influencing Baraka's views on civil rights and activism. -
Assassination of Malcolm X
Malcolm X is assassinated, leading to a shift in Baraka's political and ideological beliefs towards Black nationalism and cultural revolution. -
Second wife
Sylvia Robinson, Baraka's second wife, became Amina Baraka when they were married. The pair would create Spirit House, a playhouse and artist's residence located near Newark. -
"Black Art" Manifesto
Baraka publishes his influential "Black Art" manifesto, calling for a revolutionary art form that reflects the struggles and aspirations of African Americans. -
African-American Studies Program
Baraka establishes the African-American Studies Program at Stony Brook University, reflecting his commitment to promoting Black culture and history. -
"A Black Mass" Performance
Baraka performs "A Black Mass" at Yale University, a controversial work that leads to his arrest on charges of obscenity. -
Baraka’s Conversion
Baraka converted to Islam and gave his name the prefix Imamu, which means "spiritual leader". But he removed the prefix and identified as a Marxist in 1974. -
“The Slave”
Baraka's play "The Slave" premieres, highlighting themes of slavery, oppression, and liberation in American history. -
“Dutchman”
A film adaptation of Baraka's play "Dutchman" is released, further cementing his reputation as a leading figure in African-American literature and theater. -
Founding of the African American Culture Center
Baraka founds the African American Culture Center in Newark, New Jersey, as a hub for artistic and cultural expression. -
Poet Laureate of New Jersey
Baraka is appointed Poet Laureate of New Jersey, a position he holds for a year. -
"Somebody Blew Up America" Controversy
Baraka sparks controversy with his poem "Somebody Blew Up America," which addresses the September 11 attacks and suggests a conspiracy. -
Death
Amiri Baraka passes away on January 9, 2014, in Newark, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy as a poet, playwright, and influential figure in African American literature and culture.