Arna Bontemps – a noted Black poet, author, anthologist, librarian – was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on October 13, 1902.
He is credited with writing over 20 books, plays, and anthologies and was considered the leading authority on the Harlem Renaissance.
He was part of a core of young Black writers who led the “New Negro” movement. Bontemps wanted a front row seat to view and participate in the stirrings of jazz, theater and literature taking place in Harlem.His scholarly interest in fostering a new appraisal of his race and re-evaluation of the Black man’s place in American history is just a part of his legacy.
His children’s books are unique and his poetry and writings convey the rhythms and richness of the African American culture which was to influence a number of writers who followed him. (Edwin Blair. “Literary Habitats.” Preservation in Print. September 1996.)
| Historic Name: | Arna Wendell Bontemps House |
| Other Names: | |
| Address: | 1327 Third Street |
| City: | Alexandria |
| Parish: | Rapides |
| State: | LA |
| Zipcode: | 71301 |
| Status: | National Register |
| Date Placed on National Register: | 9/13/1993 |
| Level of Significance: | National |
| Area of Significance: | Literature; Ethnic Heritage |
| Property Type: | Urban Residence |
| Architectural Style: | Queen Anne Revival |
| Architect: | |
| Theme: | African-American Heritage; Anglo-American Architecture |
CenLamar 
So, is this where he lived before he went to Harlem, or after?
This is the house he lived in when he was an infant and toddler. He moved to Watts in LA at the age of three, and he stayed in LA until after he finished college.