Haki R. Madhubuti (Finding Aid)

Haki R. Madhubuti

1942 -

Favorite Color: Earth Tones

Favorite Time of Year: Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: Home

Interview Length: 172 minutes

Interview Date(s): December 20, 1999

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Poet and scholar Haki Madhubuti describes his tumultuous childhood starting with brief descriptions of his mother and father, who never lived together in the same house. Madhubuti describes some of the jobs his mother held, noting that her drug abuse eventually led her to resort to prostitution. Madhubuti explains why he became interested in African American literature, citing Richard Wright as his initial inspiration. Madhubuti briefly recalls his mother's murder and funeral, leading him to move from Detroit to Chicago. He describes his first job in Chicago as a traveling magazine salesman, which eventually led him to military service. Madhubuti recalls his run-in with an intolerant drill sergeant on his first day of basic training. Madhubuti details his increasing interest in African American literature and ideologies while in the military, which led him to take college courses. Madhubuti explains how the Birmingham, Alabama church bombing in 1963 inspired him to become an activist in the Civil Rights Movem Haki Madhubuti briefly explains the impact of Malcolm X on his life. Madhubuti talks about his many mentors who inspired him to be a critical thinker and institution builder, including Dr. Margaret Burroughs, Charlie Burroughs, Dudley Randall, Hoyt W. Fuller, and Gwendolyn Brooks. Madhubuti talks about his early interest in African American literature, and how this interest blossomed into a writing career. Madhubuti details the hostile urban environment in which he was raised, explaining how literature and his military training allowed him to overcome. Madhubuti describes his relationship with his father, who was largely absent, and explains that his mentors provided him with the qualities needed to be a good man and a good father. Madhubuti credits his early interest in scholarly reading and his work ethic for his success in writing and in institution building. Finally, Madhubuti describes his participation in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly his involvement in Chicago-based activites. Haki Madhubuti discusses the importance of the Organization of Black American Culture (OBAC) and explains how it helped to nurture him and other young black writers. He describes his first academic job, as a writer in residence at Cornell University, including his role in the armed student takeover of a campus building in 1969. Madhubuti details his subsequent position at Howard University, explaining how he became involved in Pan-Africanism during his time there. He stresses the importance of ownership in the Black Arts Movement, detailing his struggle to buy and improve real estate for his various institutions, focusing on the relocation of the Institute of Positive Learning in the late 1980s. Madhubuti describes his role in Minister Louis Farrakhan's rise to power in the Nation of Islam. Finally, Madhubuti discusses his close personal relationship with his mentor, Gwendolyn Brooks. Haki Madhubuti tells the story of meeting his wife, and details how she became closely involved with his work in building institutions. Madhubuti then briefly describes his time spent at the University of Iowa earning a MFA. He cites his struggles in life with giving him the qualities needed to succeed in his career, detailing his and his wife's determination to succeed. Madhubuti talks about his conflicts with 'Ebony' magazine, later giving a detailed comparison of 'Ebony' and his own work as a poet and a publisher. Before the comparison, Madhubuti explains the influence of Hoyt W. Fuller on his work, and briefly shares his thoughts on the Nation of Islam. Madhubuti explains why he chose poetry over other forms of writing and why he decided to start his own publishing company. Finally, Madhubuti describes how his values and philosophy have influenced his past work, and explains how they shape his goals for future work. Haki Madhubuti explains how he became involved with multicultural men's work at the request of poet Robert Bly. Madhubuti discusses this work in several subsequent segments, believing it is very valuable to establish relationships with people of different races and ethnic groups. Madhubuti outlines the future plans of Third World Press, and foresees future emphasis on fiction while maintaining the press's political roots. Madhubuti discusses the positive impact of his educational institutions, crediting their African-centered curricula with improving the lives of students and their families. Madhubuti pauses to briefly criticize materialism and its negative impact on the black middle class. Madhubuti details his thoughts on the Civil Rights Movement, concluding that the resulting freedom was necessary, yet brought its own set of problems. Finally, Madhubuti details his experience organizing and participating in the Million Man March, praising its role in bringing together African American men from different r Haki Madhubuti details his relationship with Betty Shabazz, explaining why he felt the need to establish a close relationship with her. He pays solemn tribute to Shabazz and other deceased African American leaders. Madhubuti explains how he hopes African Americans can become more empowered and increase their ownership of businesses and institutions, believing that African-centered thought can help to achieve this goal. Madhubuti discusses the success of contemporary black writers, hoping that they will continue to do positive community work. Madhubuti evaluates his own works, detailing how his writing style and values have changed over the years, prompted by his growing awareness of worldwide violence and corruption. After a brief evalution of rap music as an artistic and political medium, Madhubuti discusses what he wishes his legacy to be--that of a good writer. Finally, Madhubuti recalls finding his murdered mother's dead body, explaining the effects it had on him as a young man.

58 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)