Let's make this birthday one to remember.

87 years old (Born on February 22, 1938)

Happy Birthday, Ishmael Reed! May your day be as delightfully satirical and brilliantly unpredictable as "Mumbo Jumbo," with celebrations that break more rules than the pages of "Yellow Back Radio Broke-Down." Your fearless wit continues to inspire readers everywhere—proving once again you're still writing circles around us all.

From novels brimming with sharp political satire to poetry collections dancing gracefully between humor and insight, you've given literature a voice that's uniquely yours. Here's hoping this year brings you even greater success—and perhaps another play or libretto that'll keep critics guessing (and laughing). Cheers to many more chapters ahead!