Toni Cade Bambara was an influential African American writer, editor, and activist born on March 25, 1939, in New York City. She is best known for her short stories, essays, and novels that explore themes of race, gender, and social justice. Her notable works include the short story collection Gorilla, My Love and the novel The Salt Eaters. In addition to her literary contributions, Bambara was an active participant in the civil rights movement and worked to promote the voices of marginalized communities. She also served as a mentor to many young writers and was involved in various educational initiatives, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in social change.