Michael Harrington was an American socialist thinker, writer, and political activist, best known for his book, The Other America, published in 1962. This influential work highlighted the existence of poverty in the United States, bringing attention to the struggles of marginalized communities and shaping public discourse on social justice. Harrington was a founding member of the Democratic Socialists of America and played a significant role in the civil rights and anti-war movements. His advocacy for social reform and economic equality left a lasting impact on American politics and inspired future generations of activists and thinkers.