Tag Archives: Teaching Diversity

Gwendolyn Brooks

Born in Topeka, Kansas, in 1917, Gwendolyn Brooks moved to Chicago as a youngster—and stayed. At the time of her death in November 2000, she was one of the most celebrated poets in American history: the recipient of more than … Continue reading

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Elizabeth Alexander: Praise Song for the Obama Inaugural

As the 2012 election nears—yet another historic one, most say—I think about Elizabeth Alexander, the poet who read her poem “Praise Song for the Day” on January 20, 2009, at the Inaugural of President Barack Obama. The perils of writing … Continue reading

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Dempsey J. Travis: Refusing to Learn to Fail

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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