Pearl Cleage (born December 7, 1948) is an American author, playwright, essayist, and poet known for exploring themes of race, gender, and social justice, particularly focusing on African American women's experiences. Born in Detroit, Michigan, she grew up in a family active in the civil rights movement. Her works include novels such as 'What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day' and 'I Wish I Had a Red Dress,' as well as plays like 'Flyin' West' and 'Blues for an Alabama Sky.' Cleage is also a social activist who participated in the Black Panther Party and taught at Spelman College. Her writing blends realism with poetic language, often set in African American communities. She has received numerous awards, including the American Book Award, and continues to write and speak publicly from her home in Atlanta.
