Knight, Etheridge
(born: 1931 - died: 1991)Etheridge Knight was born near Corinth, MS and grew up in Paducah, KY. He was the son of Bushie and Belzora Knight, one of their seven children.
Knight mastered the art of toast - a form of poetry that dates back to the 19th century - and began writing poetry while serving an eight-year sentence in Indiana State Prison on a conviction for robbery. His works include Poems from Prison and Black Voices From Prison.
Knight was a member of the Black Arts Movement. He was also a veteran, having served as a medic in the Army during the Korean War.
Knight was the husband of Sonia Sanchez. They divorced in 1972, and the following year Knight married Mary Ann McAnally.
For more see In Black and White. A guide to magazine articles, newspaper articles, and books concerning Black individuals and groups, 3rd ed. Supp.; "Etheridge Knight" in Notable African American Writers; and Etheridge Knight, Jr. Papers at the Indiana Historical Society.
