Kevin Young is an American poet, essayist, and editor known for his contributions to contemporary literature. He was born on November 16, 1970, in Topeka, Kansas. Young has published several poetry collections, including Book of Hours and Brown, which explore themes of identity, family, and culture. He is also recognized for his work in literary criticism and has served as the poetry editor for The New Yorker. In addition to his writing, Young is an accomplished academic. He is the Charles Howard Candler Professor of Creative Writing at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Young has received numerous awards for his work, including the Gwendolyn Brooks Prize and the Pushcart Prize. His influence extends beyond poetry, as he actively engages in promoting literature and supporting emerging writers.