Darwin T. Turner

Darwin Theodore Troy Turner (May 7, 1931 – February 11, 1991) was an American literary critic, scholar, poet, and professor who wrote about African-American history. He is known for contributions to the field of African American Studies (now Black Studies) and African American literary studies. who graduated from University of Cincinnati at the age of 18. His grandfather Charles H. Turner, a psychologist, was the first African American to receive a PhD in biology from the University of Chicago.

Turner was considered to be a child prodigy, completing fourth grade by the age of four, and graduating high school at the age of 13. Turner enrolled in University of Cincinnati in 1944 at the age of 13. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1947 and joined the Phi Beta Kappa honor society at 16. which was being developed by Robert A. Corrigan. Turner was the Chair of African American Studies at University of Iowa from 1972 until 1991. He was named Distinguished Professor of English in 1984. During his tenure he expanded the field of African American studies, creating courses in African-American history and culture.

Over the course of his career, Turner edited and authored more than 17 books, and wrote more than a hundred articles, book reviews and other works. His work drew attention to the accomplishments of Black artists and intellectuals. At the time of his death he was completing a collection of his own writings, which was published posthumously as Black Drama in America in 1994. The 1992 fall issue of The Langston Hughes Review was dedicated to him.

The Darwin T. Turner Scholars Program at the University of Cincinnati, the Darwin Turner Endowment at the University of Iowa were established after his death. Since 2018, the College Language Association has presented the Darwin T. Turner Best Essay Award.

Writings In a Minor Chord: Three Afro-American Writers and Their Search for Identity Katharsis Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter" Black Drama in America: An Anthology , editor Afro-American Writers, a bibliography Black American Literature, Essays, editor