On today,

 in 1938, American poet, essayist, and novelist, Ishmael Reed, was born. A prominent African-American literary figure, Reed is known for his satirical works challenging American political culture, and highlighting political and cultural oppression.
         Reed has been described as "one of the most original and controversial figures in the field of African American letters". While his work has often sought to represent neglected African and African-American perspectives, his energy and advocacy have centered more broadly on neglected peoples and perspectives irrespective of their cultural origins.--courtesy  wikipedia.org