Dr. Dempsey J. Travis scored with the fall 2007 release of his book, The Chosen, the Damned and Other People, published by Urban Research Press, Inc. Travis’ latest work is interesting and historical and involves the social elements of humanity: home, chu
The book’s chapters are divided into three sections and describe the contributions of a number of Black people who made historic contributions to the American landscape: August Wilson, playwright; Thomas N. Todd, an attorney who admonished people to utilize their capabilities to benefit Black people; Marian Anderson, acclaimed as America’s great contralto and singer; and Lorraine Hansberry, author and playwright.
Hansberry utilized her talent and became one of the world’s most esteemed authors with A Raisin In The Sun. When making her movie debut, pianist Dorothy Donegan was made to cover her countenance with dark makeup so that audiences wouldn’t think of her as white. Donegan skyrocketed into the realm of the most famous jazz artists.
According to Travis, these chosen individuals overcame detrimental obstacles to earn their prominence in American history. The second part of the book, The Damned, leads with the story of the notorious gangster Al Capone who contributed to the reign of brutal terror in America. The book also featured Charlie Cole, a Black gambler.
Other People and Places, the last section in the book, includes Ben Lewis who became the first Black alderman of the 24th Ward and was considered the mayor’s stooge. He was gunned down in his office on February 28, 1963.
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