Essex Hemphill
(April 16, 1957 - November 4, 1995) U.S.A.
African-American writer, designer, poet
Hemphill, born in Chicago, grew up in Washington, DC. He is one of the many African-American authors whose work is only now receiving proper recognition, having had to battle against both the neglect of the predominantly white gay community and rejection from the black community.
He was a cultural activist, editor, performing artist and gay activist. His work focused on life as an African-American gay man. He edited Brother to Brother: New Writings by Black Gay Men.
His works are featured in the films: Tongues Untied and Looking for Langston. He narrated the black gay documentary Out of the Shadows. His essays have appeared in "Advocate", "Gay Community News", "High Performance" and "Out/Week."
Hemphill died at age 38 of AIDS-related complications in Philadelphia. He received the James Baldwin Black Quill Award posthumously.
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