Amiri Baraka was an influential American poet, playwright, and activist, born on October 7, 1934, in Newark, New Jersey. He was a prominent figure in the Black Arts Movement, which sought to create a distinct African American cultural identity through literature and art. Baraka's works often addressed themes of race, social justice, and political activism. Throughout his career, Baraka published numerous collections of poetry, essays, and plays, including the well-known play Dutchman. He was also involved in various political movements and was a vocal critic of systemic racism in the United States. Baraka's contributions to literature and activism have left a lasting impact on American culture.