What should have been a joyous celebration of black literature in Chicago quickly turned somber. Literary icon and professor Haki Madhubuti issued the following statement: “This is a difficult time for me. Because of circumstances beyond my control, I have been forced to seek early retirement. On June 22, 2009, I issued an open letter to the university community
in regards to the appointment of our current president, Dr. Wayne
Watson,” said the Third World Press founder and Chicago Public Schools
charter operator. “I questioned in no uncertain language the flawed and
undemocratic process in which he was selected. I was as fully aware
when I issued the letter as I am now that all actions have
consequences.”
On Friday, April 2, Madhubuti resigned as an educator at Chicago State University after 26 years.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Madhubuti said Watson demanded that he teach four courses a semester —
contrary to his contract — removed him from the paid staff of the
Gwendolyn Brooks Center he founded, and reduced him to volunteer status
with the master’s program in creative writing that he co-founded.
“I am convinced that this move against me is personal and
vindictive,” Madhubuti said. “Although I did agree to increase my
course load, I rejected the points that removed me from the structures
I founded and co-founded at the university.”
Those who were in attendance at Friday’s induction ceremonies for the center’s International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent expressed their dismay at the very ugly situation. What did CSU President Dr. Wayne Watson have to say about the situation? “That is his decision. I am only asking him to teach.”
Professor Haki Madhubuti has many talents such as operating three Chicago public charter schools and a private preschool he founded with his wife; in additon to running Third World Press. Does that mean he should have been treated with such bitter vindictiveness? Absolutely not. Interestingly enough, Tavis “Black Agenda” Smiley and all the other black leaders in Chicago have been silent. As the founder of the Gwendolyn Brooks Conference for Black Literature and Creative Writing, Madhubuti helped our children, poets, authors and even TV pundits like Mr. Smiley produce literary work for 26 years. Where is the outrage? I am definitely going to be writing and blogging about the injustice done to one of my favorite writers and a good role model for our youth, but I must ask: Where are the editorals and letters from the black literary and cultural community? I hope they are on their way to CSU right now! –l. martin johnson pratt
