About
A prominent author and spoken word poet, she was an integral part of the Black Arts Movement. Her poetry publications include Firespitter (1982) and Mouth on Paper (1977).
Before Fame
Her writing was inspired by her childhood in Los Angeles' Watts neighborhood, as well as by the jazz and Latin music that she grew up listening to.
Trivia
She published volumes of poetry, released music albums, and performed culturally and politically significant spoken-word acts.
Family Life
Her first marriage was to jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman and her second marriage was to sculptor Melvin Edwards.
Associated With
Her art was shaped and influenced by the jazz music of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.
