Lynn Riggs was an American playwright and poet, best known for his works that often explored themes of identity and culture. Born on July 1, 1899, in Northeastern Oklahoma, he was of Cherokee descent, which influenced much of his writing. Riggs gained recognition for his play "Green Grow the Lilacs," which later inspired the famous musical Oklahoma!. Throughout his career, Riggs wrote numerous plays, poems, and screenplays, contributing significantly to American theater. He was also involved in the Federal Theatre Project during the Great Depression, which aimed to provide jobs for theater professionals. Riggs passed away on July 29, 1954, leaving a lasting legacy in the arts.