Amiri Baraka Thomas Jefferson Early Years Amiri Baraka was born Everett LaRoi Jone on October 7, 1934 in Newark, New Jersey. He was also known as Imamu Amear Baraka. His father Coyt Leverette Jones At school he became interested in poetry and jazz. He joined the Air Force, but was later fired for stating inappropriate racist lyrics. Background Amiri Baraka was a poet, writer and activist. he was a postal supervisor and elevator operator. His mother was Anna Lois Russ who worked as a social worker. He was married to Hettie Cohen with whom he had two daughters. The marriage ended after seven years in 1965. In August 1966 Amiri married Sylvia Robinson with whom he had five children. She later adopted the name Amina Baraka. This second marriage would last until his death. He was someone who always told the truth because of what he saw. He always spoke of black freedom, for his people and for himself. He was very brave and fearless, and he didn't care what he said about others, even if it annoyed them. Education He won a scholarship to Rutgers University in 1951, but felt he did not belong there and decided to transfer to Howard University in 1952. He subsequently studied at Columbia and then at the New School for Social Research, both without earning a degree. He joined the U.S. Air Force and rose to the rank of sergeant. However, due to an anonymous letter accusing him of communist ties, he was demoted to gardening duties and was later dishonorably discharged for breach of oath. He graduated in 1954. He taught at many universities, including the New School for Social Research, San Francisco State, and Yale University. He also worked as a professor of Africana studies in New York for... half the job... in the hospital's intensive care unit. The reason Baraka died was because of diabetes. He had a funeral in Symphony Hall in Newark. This poet, critic and activist was one of the most important and controversial African Americans in the world. Achievements and Achievements He won the American Book Award for his works and the Langston Hughes Prize. Most of his essays, writings, and poems dealt with social issues related to African-American society. He was famous for discovering the black arts movement. His works also reflect the history of music, Jazz and Blues. His political views have changed many times because he lost popularity when he stated inappropriate racist words in support of blacks. He became a black nationalist for disagreeing with the behavior of whites towards blacks and also for demanding the rights that blacks should possess.