Amiri Baraka (1934-2014), known early in his career as LeRoi Jones, was a widely published African American writer who produced poetry, drama, fiction, essays, and music criticism. Much of Baraka’s work addressed the subjects of Black liberation and white racism. The Amiri Baraka papers comprise the author’s writings, sketchbooks, and artwork, as well as correspondence and ephemera related to his involvement in theatrical and film productions.