Mildred D. Taylor
Mildred D. Taylor
=====================
Full Name and Common Aliases
Mildred D. Taylor is the pen name of Mildred Leona Dobson, an American author known for her powerful and poignant novels that explore the African-American experience.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 15, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, Taylor passed away on December 2, 2021, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential voices in American literature.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Taylor was an American writer and educator, with a career spanning over four decades. Her work primarily focused on fiction, particularly children's and young adult novels.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Taylor experienced firsthand the harsh realities of racism and segregation. Her early life was marked by poverty, but also by a strong sense of family and community. Her parents, who had migrated from Georgia to escape Jim Crow laws, instilled in her a deep appreciation for African-American culture and history.
Taylor's love for reading and writing began at an early age, influenced by the stories her grandmother would tell about their ancestors' struggles during slavery. This exposure sparked a passion that would become the foundation of her future work. She attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she studied English literature and developed her writing skills.
Major Accomplishments
Taylor's most notable works are her six novels in the Logan family saga, which follows the lives of African-American families from the 1920s to the present day:
_Song of the Trees_ (1981): A short story collection that explores themes of racial identity and social justice.
_Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry_ (1976): The first novel in the Logan family saga, which won the Newbery Medal and has since become a classic of children's literature.
* _Let the Circle Be Unbroken_ (1981), _Mississippi Bridge_ (1990), _The Land_ (2001), and _Chesapeake_ (2003): The remaining novels in the Logan family saga, each exploring different aspects of African-American life.
Taylor's work has been widely acclaimed for its portrayal of the complexities and nuances of African-American experiences. Her writing has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Newbery Medal, the American Library Association Notable Book Award, and the Coretta Scott King Award.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to her novels, Taylor was also an advocate for children's literacy and education. She worked tirelessly to promote reading and writing programs in schools and communities, particularly among African-American youth.
Her commitment to social justice and equality led her to participate in various literary festivals, conferences, and events, where she shared her experiences and insights with audiences around the world.
Impact and Legacy
Mildred D. Taylor's impact on American literature cannot be overstated. Her work has had a profound influence on generations of readers, inspiring them to explore their own identities, cultures, and histories.
Taylor's writing has also played a significant role in shaping the way we think about racism, segregation, and social justice. Her portrayal of African-American experiences has helped break down stereotypes and challenge dominant narratives.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Mildred D. Taylor is widely quoted and remembered for her powerful and poignant writing style, which continues to captivate readers today. Her novels offer a glimpse into the complexities of human experience, making them timeless classics that will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
As an advocate for literacy and education, Taylor's legacy extends far beyond her written work. She has inspired countless young writers, educators, and activists to pursue their passions and make a difference in their communities.
Through her writing and advocacy, Mildred D. Taylor has left an indelible mark on American literature and society. Her commitment to social justice and equality continues to inspire us today, reminding us of the power of words to shape our understanding of ourselves and our world.
Quotes by Mildred D. Taylor
Mildred D. Taylor's insights on:
Because the students were needed in the fields from early spring when the cotton was planted until after most of the cotton had been picked in the fall, the school adjusted its terms accordingly, beginning in October and dismissing in March.
Roll of thunder hear my cry Over the water bye and bye Ole man comin’ down the line Whip in hand to beat me down But I ain’t gonna let him Turn me ’round.
Times being like they is and all. But I figure times been hard all my life. Now don’t seem so much worse’n any other.
Each second that goes by, we’re all one second closer to the rest of our lives and our deaths.
There are things you can’t back down on, things you gotta take a stand on. But it’s up to you to decide what them things are.
It’s tough out there, boy, and as long as there are people, there’s gonna be somebody trying to take what you got and trying to drag you down. It’s up to you whether you let them or not.
He was often ridiculed by the other children at his school and had shown up more than once with wide red welts on his arms which Lillian Jean, his older sister, had revealed with satisfaction were the result of his associating with us. Still, Jeremy continued to meet us. When.
It was only then that I realized that Jeremy never rode the bus, no matter how bad the weather. As.
Now one day, maybe I can forgive John Andersen for what he done to these trees, but I ain’t gonna forget it. I figure forgiving is not letting something nag at you – rotting you out.
Little Man turned around and watched saucer-eyed as a bus bore down on him spewing clouds of red dust like a huge yellow dragon breathing fire. Little Man headed toward the bank, but it was too steep. He ran frantically along the road looking for a foothold and, finding one, hopped onto the bank, but not before the bus had sped past enveloping him in a scarlet haze while laughing white faces pressed against the bus windows. Little.