He made this statement in his 1987 essay, "The Middle Passage: Reflections on the African American Novel," where he credits her with ushering in a new wave of Black writers and helping establish the field of African American literature as a significant part of American literature.
Petry's 1946 novel, "The Street," is often considered a foundational work in African American literature, depicting the harsh realities of poverty and racism in Harlem during the 1940s. Her influence on subsequent writers is undeniable, and Gates's "midwife" designation highlights her crucial role in shaping the literary landscape.