Eugenia Collier
- Born:
- April 6, 1928, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Died:
- December 16, 2023, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Author, Literary Critic, Educator
Early Life and Education
- Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, during the era of segregation.
- Received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Morgan State College (now Morgan State University).
- Earned her Master of Arts degree from Columbia University.
- Completed her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Career and Major Achievements
- Dedicated her career to teaching English and African-American literature.
- Professor Emerita of English at Howard University.
- Also taught at Baltimore Junior College (now Baltimore City Community College) and the University of Maryland, College Park.
- Made significant contributions to the field of African-American literary criticism.
- Won the Gwendolyn Brooks Significant Illinois Poets Award in 1990.
Notable Works
- "Marigolds" (short story, published 1969): Her most famous work, widely anthologized and studied in schools.
- Breathing the Wind (1996): Collection of short stories.
- Published numerous essays and articles on African-American literature and culture.
Legacy and Impact
Eugenia Collier's most significant legacy lies in her contributions to African-American literature, both as a writer and a scholar. Her short story "Marigolds" has had a lasting impact on readers and is considered a classic of African-American literature. This 'eugenia collier biography' highlights her profound influence on generations of students and writers, shaping perspectives on race, class, and identity through literature.