Rita Dove specifically chooses these writers to be featured in her book because of the impact that they left on society. Each of these authors influenced American Literature one way or another. Not only having a great impact on Literature, but the time period as well. Showcasing an accurate description of life during the time period in which these authors were alive and active

James Weldon Johnson was an author, civil rights activist, educator, lawyer, diplomat, and a songwriter. Born June 17, 1871 in Jacksonville, Florida. Interesting fact, June 17 is two days before Juneteeth which is the day the slavery was officially abolished in all states. It is ironic that James Weldon was born two days before then, because he would later go on to write the Black National Anthem,  Lift Every Voice and Sing in 1900. The song was originally written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson, but his brother John Rosamond Johnson put the music behind it. James Weldon Johnson also was a leader in the NAACP. In 1920 he was chosen as the first black executive secretary of the NAACP, and served the role through 1930. Also noted that he has an honorary doctoral degree from Howard University. In 1933 he recieved the W.E.B Du bios prize for Negro Literature. James Weldon Johnson was a very influential writer, especially during the Harlem Renaissance.

Paul Laurence Dunbar was born June 27, 1872 to freed slaves from Kentucky. Dunbar became one of the first influential African American poets in American Literature.  He was internationally acclaimed for his analytical verses in his works such as Majors and Minors, written in 1895 and Lyrics of Lowly Life in 1896. Paul Laurence Dunbar went to Howard University as well. After relocating to the city of Chicago, Dunbar got in contact with Frederick Douglas who then helped him get a job as a clerk and also arranged him to read a selection of his poems. By 1895 Dunbar’s poems began to be featured in major national newspapers and magazines such as the New York Times. Dunbar’s work is known as an very intriguing bodies of work that accurately represented Black life in the turn of the century America. 

Each of these writers not only heavily influenced American Literature, they also made their footprint during the times that they were wriitng and publishing. Each other shedded light on important issues in society which is why Rita Dove choose to put them in her poetry book. The writing styles are unique, but the works are deeper than just another poem. The touch on very infuential topics.