Elizabeth Alexander is an American poet, essayist, and professor known for her contributions to contemporary literature. She gained national recognition when she delivered her poem "Praise Song for My Mother" at the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009, making her the first African American to write and present a poem for a presidential inauguration. In addition to her poetry, Alexander has authored several books and served as a professor at Yale University and Columbia University. She is also the president of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, where she focuses on supporting the arts and humanities in education and culture.