Letter from Harvard Professor Charles J. Ogletree Jr. on the Black Arts Conference at University of California, Merced
To those attending the UC Merced Black Arts Movement Conference,
February 28-March 2,2014, I write to salute you for a timely and
important event. I grew up in Merced and attended elementary, Middle and
High School classes before graduating from Merced High School in June
1971.I learned a lot about the struggle for justice and equality in
Merced and throughout California and around the United States.
I was deeply influenced by people like Amiri Baraka and the global
struggle they fought for decades. I owe all of these women and men
everything for paving the way for me. Amiri died much too soon but his
writings, teachings,and words of wisdom continue to inspire us today. As
we celebrate his life we must also celebrate so many like him,
including President Nelson Mandela, Dr.Martin Luther King Jr, Fanny Lou
Hamer, Queen Mother Audley Moore, Rosa Parks and so many others who opened doors for us to pass through during critical times in our lives.
If we firmly believe in the mandate of each one teach one, then the legacy of Amiri Baraka will continue.
Yours in the struggle.
Professor Charles J.Ogletree Jr.,
Harvard Law School
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