A self-described “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, and poet” from New York, Lorde dedicated her life and creative talent to confronting racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia. She published her first book of poetry in 1968 and went on to teach as poet-in-residence at Tougaloo College, exploring themes central to her identity as a woman of color, educator, lesbian, mother, and feminist. Her work insisted that differences in race or class must serve as “a reason for celebration and growth.” She received numerous honors over her career, including an American Book Award and the title of Poet Laureate of New York.