James Alan McPherson was an American author and essayist, born on September 16, 1943, in Savannah, Georgia. He is best known for his contributions to African American literature and was the first black writer to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1978 for his collection of short stories titled Elbow Room. His works often explore themes of race, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. In addition to his fiction, McPherson was a respected educator, teaching at various institutions, including the University of Iowa. He was also a prominent figure in the Iowa Writers' Workshop, where he influenced many aspiring writers. McPherson passed away on July 27, 2021, leaving a lasting legacy in American literature.