Ishmael Reed

Career overview

Ishmael Scott Reed was born on February 22, 1938, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is an American poet, essayist, novelist, songwriter, composer, playwright, editor, publisher, lyricist, and literary activist. Recognized as a prominent African-American literary figure, Reed is known for his satirical works that challenge American political culture and highlight political and cultural oppression. He has been described as one of the most controversial writers, and his advocacy has centered broadly on neglected peoples and perspectives regardless of their cultural origins.

Reed's extensive literary output includes approximately thirty publications, alongside numerous edited journals and anthologies. Among his acclaimed novels are Mumbo Jumbo, which was published in 1972, The Freelance Pallbearers, The Last Days of Louisiana Red, and Yellow Back Radio Broke-Down. In addition to his writing across various literary forms, Reed has worked in film and television as a writer and director, with known credits that include Mommy, What's a Funkadelic?, Personal Problems, which was released in 1980, and Two-Fer, released in 2003.