Sterling Allen Brown was an African-American professor, poet, and literary critic. He was born on May 1, 1901, in Washington, D.C. In his literary works, Brown focused on the lives of African Americans in the southern United States. One of his most famous poems is "Southern Cop," which was published in 1922.
Background of Sterling Brown
Brown grew up in a middle-class family that valued education. His father was a prominent lawyer, and his mother was a schoolteacher. Brown attended Williams College and graduated with honors in 1922.
After college, Brown taught English at Virginia Seminary and College in Lynchburg, Virginia. In 1929, he earned a master's degree in English from Harvard University.
The Poem "Southern Cop"
"Southern Cop" is a poem that describes a confrontation between a white police officer and a black man in the southern United States. The poem highlights the racist attitudes and violence that were common in the region at the time.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the police officer as "big-bellied" and "bulging-eyed." The officer is armed with a "billy" and a gun, and he is looking for trouble. The speaker, who is a black man, is afraid of the officer and tries to avoid him.
However, the officer confronts the speaker and accuses him of being a criminal. The speaker tries to explain that he is innocent, but the officer doesn't believe him. The officer threatens to beat the speaker with his billy and shoot him with his gun.
The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the violence and racism that he has experienced. He says that he is "sick of the cops" and the "white man's eyes."
Sterling Brown's Legacy
Sterling Brown was an important figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated African-American art and literature in the 1920s and 1930s. His poetry and literary criticism helped to shape the movement and influenced later generations of writers.
Brown's work also helped to bring attention to the experiences of African Americans in the southern United States. His poems and essays explored themes of racism, inequality, and injustice, and they continue to be studied and admired today.
Conclusion
Southern Cop is a powerful poem that highlights the racism and violence that were common in the southern United States in the early 20th century. Sterling Brown's work as a poet and literary critic helped to shape the Harlem Renaissance and bring attention to the experiences of African Americans in the region. His legacy continues to inspire and influence writers today.