Isabel Wilkerson

Isabel Wilkerson is an accomplished American journalist and author, best known for her works "The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration" and "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents." Born in Washington D.C., Wilkerson developed an early interest in journalism, becoming the editor-in-chief of the Howard University paper during her time as a student.

Wilkerson's career as a journalist was marked by numerous achievements, including becoming the first Black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1994 for her work at the "New York Times" as their Chicago Bureau Chief. Her reporting on a ten-year-old boy's life and the floods of 1993 earned her the prestigious accolade, beating out a strong field of competitors. Throughout her time at the "New York Times," Wilkerson covered a wide range of topics, including American citizenship, class, and race.

Following her Pulitzer Prize win, Wilkerson received numerous book offers and decided to leave the "New York Times" to focus on her writing. She had long been fascinated by the story of the Great Migration and its impact on the American state. The migration of African Americans to less segregated states in the North changed the way they pursued their dreams and shaped the demographics of the African American population. "The Warmth of Other Suns," published in 2010, went on to win the Nonfiction National Book Circle Award and made several best-of lists. The book was also a summer reading list pick by former President Barack Obama in 2011. Wilkerson continues to be invited to speak about the book and its enduring impact on American society.