From: Malore Ingrid Brown <bogus_at_does.not.exist.com>
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 11:56:18 -0600 (CST)

Last month while discussing the 1998 Coretta Scott King Awards we discussed one of the Honor Books, Ashley Bryan's _ABC of African American Poetry_. Next month you'll have an excellent opportunity to see, hear and enjoy Ashley Bryan in person in Milwaukee. I invite you to see the announcement below.
                                                =Malore
---------- Forwarded message ---------
 Ashley Bryan will be the keynote speaker at the annual
 UW-Milwaukee, SLIS Ted Samore Lecture series

Saturday, May 9, 1998 4:00-5:00 p.m. Greene Hall 3347 N Downer Avenue Milwaukee, WI The lecture is free and open to the public.


ARTIST AND STORYTELLER ASHLEY BRYAN TO RECEIVE HONORARY DEGREE FROM UW-MILWAUKEE

Ashley Bryan, a noted author and illustrator, has been named an honorary doctorate recipient by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Bryan, who is a professor emeritus at Dartmouth College, has had a distinguished career in children's literature. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Parents Choice Award and several Coretta Scott King citations for books that "promote an understanding of the culture and contribution of all people to the realization of the American dream."

His writing have included "What a Morning," "The Christmas Story in Black Spirituals," and "Ostrich Chicks and Other African Folk Tales." He has illustrated "I'm Going to Sing: Black American Spirituals" and "All Night and All Day: A Child's First Book of African Spirituals."

Bryan was nominated for the degree by Mohammed Aman, Dean of the UWM School of Library and Information Science. According to Aman, Bryan has made Milwaukee his second home and deserves to be recognized for his contributions to the community. "He has performed his poetry and storytelling here since the 1970's," said Aman. "Since first appearing here some 25 years ago, he has returned often to share his talents with elementary school classes and choral reading groups. "He deserves the attention of the Milwaukee community and this honor."

Bryan, who will receive his degree at the May 10 commencement, has likened his work to a bridge between the past and the present.

"There is a poem by the Senegalese poet Leopold Sedar Senghor, in which he unites childhood to Eden, present to past, life to death with the line
'a tender bridge connects them.' That lovely phrase stays with me as I retell and illustrate African stories," he wrote. "I hope that my work with the African tales will be, by the very nature of storytelling, like a tender bridge reaching across the distances of time and space." Bryan's nomination received widespread support around UWM and the Milwaukee community.

"His dedication to books, reading and poetry have sent him around the world and provided children with poetry and stories that are a lasting contribution to their lives," said Jane Botham, coordinator of children's services for the Milwaukee Public Library. "Milwaukee children are fortunate to have such a friend."

Barbara Brown Lee, director of education at the Milwaukee Art Museum, also cited Bryan's work with young people. "He has inspired many young people to write, to illustrate, to perform and to love books and libraries," she said. "He cares deeply about children and encourages them to reach and stretch themselves. "Being an artist, teacher, poet, illustrator, sculptor, puppeteer and musician, I can't think of anyone more qualified for this honor."

********************************************* Malore I. Brown, Ph.D. Assistant Professor University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Library and Information Science P.O. Box 413 Milwaukee, WI 53201 Phone: 414"9T09 Fax: 414"9H48 maloreb at csd.uwm.edu
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Received on Tue 31 Mar 1998 11:56:18 AM CST