Timuel Black

Latin Upper School history students got a glimpse into the past when author and historian Timuel Black, Jr. visited the school on April 27, sharing his own memories and chronicling the expansion of Chicago’s African American community.

Black’s three-volume work is called Bridges in Memory, which includes the history of first-generation African American migrants to Chicago. Interviews provide a first-hand perspective on the prejudice and challenges they faced, as well as the success they achieved.

During his remarks, Black discussed the slave trade in the United States and mentioned that his grandfather, who lived to be 102 years old, was a former slave. At 88 years old himself, Black noted to the audience that life can be remarkably short, and he urged the students to think about their own futures.

“What do you plan to be doing two years from now? What do you plan to be doing five….and ten….years from now?” Black asked. “You should ask yourself: what kind of world do you want to live in?”

© 2008 The Latin School of Chicago

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