Margaret Burroughs (Finding Aid)

Margaret Burroughs

1917 - 2010

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Food: good tasting stuff

Favorite Time of Year: Every season

Favorite Vacation Spot: Any place in the African Diaspora

Interview Length: 100 minutes

Interview Date(s): June 12, 2000

Interview Location(s): DuSable Museum, Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Margaret Burroughs talks about her parents' family backgrounds in Louisiana and her family's migration to Chicago in the 1920s. Burroughs then recalls her personality as a child and her mother's encouragement of her artistic talent. She then details her career aspirations and those who helped her along her career path. Lastly, Burroughs talks about her experiences in high school and at the Art Institute of Chicago. Margaret Burroughs talks about how she inspires her students to achieve their career aspirations. Lastly, Burroughs discusses the founding of Chicago's South Side Community Arts Center in 1941. Margaret Burroughs talks about the rarely discussed Chicago Renaissance, which coincided with the Harlem Renaissance. Burroughs then discusses her artwork and why she views herself as a "People's Painter." She then talks about her marriages and her family. Margaret Burroughs discusses her encounter with and admiration for Paul Robeson. Burroughs explains her youthful outspokenness about her politics, and the scrutiny she encountered during the McCarthy Era of the 1950s. She then details her trip to Mexico in 1952 and her friendship with artists Elizabeth Catlett-Mora and Charles White. Lastly, Burroughs talks about her late husband, Charles Burroughs. Margaret Burroughs summarizes the origin of the DuSable Museum of African American History from its earliest years, and how she obtained funding. Burroughs then discusses transitions in Chicago's black arts community. She then talks about the future she envisions for the DuSable Museum. Lastly, Burroughs shares her travel experiences in Africa. Margaret Burroughs discusses her views on the African Diaspora. Burroughs talks about the influential persons in her life, including artists who were her contemporaries. She then explains her personal philosophies on life and creativity. Lastly, Burroughs comments on her legacy and how she would like to be remembered.

32 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)