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“Identity is not inherent. It is shaped by circumstance and sensitivity and resistance to self-pity.” - Dorothy West, The Wedding

West, who was born today in 1907, was a novelist, short story writer, and member of the Harlem Renaissance. She founded the magazines Challenge and New Challenge, which were among the first to publish literature featuring realistic portrayals of African Americans. Among the works published were Richard Wright’s groundbreaking essay “Blueprint for Negro Writing” and writings by Margaret Walker and Ralph Ellison.