Robert Hayden’s life was a testament to the power of art to transcend adversity. Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1913, Hayden’s childhood was marked by trauma. His parents separated before his birth, and he was raised by foster parents in the vibrant, yet often challenging, neighborhood of Paradise Valley. His home life was fraught with tension and violence, leaving deep emotional scars. Compounding these difficulties, severe vision problems isolated him from his peers. Yet, in the midst of this hardship, Hayden found solace and inspiration in books, nurturing a profound love for literature.
Despite the challenges he faced, Hayden pursued his education, attending Detroit City College (later Wayne State University). During the Great Depression, he left college one credit shy of a degree to work for the Works Progress Administration Federal Writers’ Project, where he delved into Black history and folklore—themes that would permeate his poetry. In 1940, he married Erma Morris and published his first volume of poetry, Heart-Shape in the Dust. He later enrolled at the University of Michigan, where he won the prestigious Hopwood Award.
A significant turning point in Hayden’s life came in the early 1940s when he followed his wife into the Bahá’í Faith. This faith, with its emphasis on the unity of humankind, profoundly influenced his worldview and his poetry. He became one of the most prominent Bahá’í poets. His faith informed his belief in the shared humanity that transcends racial and social divisions.
Hayden’s pursuit of his craft led him to study under the renowned poet W.H. Auden, who instilled in him a deep appreciation for poetic form and technique. This influence is evident in the precision and artistry of Hayden’s verse. He earned his master’s degree in 1942 and embarked on a distinguished teaching career, first at the University of Michigan, then at Fisk University for 23 years, and finally returning to the University of Michigan.
During the rise of the Black Arts Movement in the 1960s, Hayden’s approach to poetry, emphasizing artistic expression over political polemic, drew criticism from some who felt he should focus solely on Black experiences. However, Hayden remained true to his belief that poetry should explore universal human themes, including social injustice. While his work often addressed the struggles of African Americans, particularly in his poems about Paradise Valley, he resisted being labeled solely as a “Black poet,” insisting on being recognized as an “American poet.” This stance, while controversial at the time, reflects his commitment to the Bahá’í principle of the oneness of humanity.
Hayden’s work is marked by its technical mastery, its exploration of complex emotions, and its unflinching portrayal of both personal and societal struggles. He skillfully employed Black vernacular and folk speech, and he wrote powerfully about historical events, such as the Middle Passage and the Vietnam War. His poem “Those Winter Sundays,” a poignant reflection on fatherly love and sacrifice, is one of the most anthologized American poems of the 20th century.
Robert Hayden’s contributions to American literature were recognized with numerous accolades, including his appointment as Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress (a role now known as US Poet Laureate) from 1976 to 1978, making him the first African American to hold this prestigious position. He was also elected to the American Academy of Poets.
Robert Hayden’s legacy is one of artistic integrity, unwavering faith, and a profound commitment to exploring the depths of the human experience. He died in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1980, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and challenge readers today. In 2012, he was honored with a U.S. Postal Service stamp as one of the great Twentieth Century American Poets.
