Biography

Quincy Troupe was born on July 23, 1943 in New York City, New York, USA. He is married to Margaret.

Troupe became professor of literature and creative writing at the University of California, San Diego, from 1991, but in December 2002 announced he would resign his position after admitting that he had never earned a bachelor's degree from Grambling College, as his resume stated.

He has taught creative writing and black literature courses at Watts Writers Workshop, The University of California, Ohio University, and The College of Staten Island (CUNY).

While traveling in Europe as a member of the army basketball team, Troupe befriended Jean-Paul Sartre, who encouraged Troupe to write poetry. Troupe has twice earned the American Book Award (in 1980 and 1990), a Peabody Award, and the title of World Heavyweight Champion Poet. He became the first official California Poet Laureate (appointed in 2002).

Son of a prominent Negro League catcher, Quincy Troupe, Sr.