User:Jeantoomerpoet4/sandbox

Jean Toomers early life, Jean was born in December of 1894 in Washington DC. Jean is best known for his writing "Cane", which was published in 1923[1]. This famous and groundbreaking writing was full poetry, and explored themes of race and identity in the south. This poet made significant contributions to American literature and questioned society in a lot of ways. His most popular writing is "Cane" talking about a man who struggles understanding, and is about a man's own perceptions of Black life in the South. Jean was also known for the role he played in the Harlem Renaissance. This was a cultural and artistic celebration of American American culture[2].

Toomer had mixed racial backgrounds, he was of European, African American, and Native descent. Toomers grew up in an interracial school. He resisted being classified by his race, so when people asked he would simply just say American. His complex racial identity is what inspired his writings[3]. Toomers spiritual beliefs also played a role in his writings, he believed in Baha'i Faith. After Toomer had published "Cane" he stepped away from writing and publishing. Toomers writing style and different genres was innovative in his time. Toomers writing at the time was looked down on by others, because of the way he stood up for others. Later on his work gained the attention it deserved. People became interested and inspired by his writings. When "Cane" was rewritten it was viewed by many as a "Black Classic" leading to further interest in his writing. Jean Toomer is and always will be an important character in our worlds history.