Audre Lorde (1934–1992) published ten volumes of poetry and five works of prose. She was a recipient of many distinguished honors and awards, including the Honorary Doctorate of Literature, Hunter College (1991); Walt Whitman Citation of Merit (1991); Honorary Doctorate of Letters, Oberlin College (1990); Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, Haverford College (1989); and the Manhattan Borough President’s Award for Excellence in the Arts (1988). She was also named the New York State Poet (1991–1993).