Category Archives: Writing

Dempsey J. Travis: Refusing to Learn to Fail

Posted on August 5, 2012 by Richard Guzman

Born in Chicago in 1920, Dempsey J. Travis became a self-made millionaire, one of the country’s most successful black entrepreneurs.  He was president and CEO of Travis Realty Co., but his many interests and his intense commitment to the community took him … Continue reading →

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“Why Sinatra Grows on You”

Posted on August 5, 2012 by Richard Guzman

                I like my pop drivel laced with rancor and acid and the raw sugar of curled- lipped youth peeling down the road, flying from syrupy old fogies who didn’t have the guts to just … Continue reading →

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Leanita McClain: The Middle-class Black’s Burden

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Richard Guzman

Leanita McClain’s elegant, but also blunt writing brought into focus the intersection of race, politics, justice, and family life as passionately as any writer in America ever has. McClain  (1952-1984), the first Black member of the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board … Continue reading →

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