Feminist poetry was a growing movement throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The following is a list of some of the most prominent feminist poets who began or continued writing during the era of second-wave feminism.
1. Maya Angelou
Famous for her autobiographical book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1970), Maya Angelou’s poetry gained nationwide attention in the U.S. when she read her poem “On the Pulse of the Morning” at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993.
2. Joy Harjo
Poet, musician, and Native American activist.
3. Carolyn Kizer
Carolyn Kizer has written, translated, and edited poetry in the Pacific Northwest and many other locations.
4. Maxine Kumin
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1973, she has also published stories, essays and children's books.
6. Pauli Murray
In addition to writing poetry, Pauli Murray was an educator and lawyer, and she was active in the Civil Rights and Women's Liberation Movements.
7. Alicia Ostriker
She once said, “You don’t decide to become a feminist. If you do, you’re not a real one.”
9. Adrienne Rich
Adrienne Rich is a famous feminist, poet, non-fiction writer, lesbian, and activist.
10. Muriel Rukeyser
Muriel Rukeyser started writing about feminism, equality, and social justice early in the 20th century, before World War II.