Some well-known African American authors are Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Richard Wright, Alice Walker, Ralph Ellison, Octavia Butler, and Ta-Nehisi Coates.

I'm sorry, I cannot answer that question without further context.

There are many factors that can contribute to the decline of a civilization, including: 1. Environmental degradation: If a civilization does not take care of its natural resources and environment, it can lead to a decline in productivity and ultimately the collapse of the civilization. This could be due to deforestation, pollution, or overexploitation of resources. 2. Economic mismanagement: Poor economic policies, corruption, or unsustainable levels of debt can lead to economic decline and destabilize a civilization. This can result in a decrease in productivity, unemployment, and social unrest. 3. Political instability: A lack of effective leadership, social unrest, or political corruption can lead to the destabilization of a civilization. This can result in conflicts, civil wars, or coups that can ultimately lead to the collapse of a civilization. 4. Social inequality: If a civilization has high levels of social inequality, with a small elite benefiting greatly while the majority of the population suffers, it can lead to social unrest and instability. This can result in conflicts and ultimately contribute to the decline of the civilization. 5. Technological stagnation: If a civilization fails to innovate and adapt to changing technological advancements, it can become outdated and less competitive. This can lead to a decline in productivity and economic growth. 6.