Revered
Professor Hernton Dies
by Matthew Green
Calvin
Hernton, emeritus professor of African American Studies and highly
respected author and scholar, died on Sept. 30 at his home in Oberlin
after battling cancer for several years. He was 69.
Hernton came to Oberlin in 1970 and served as a writer-in-residence
for two years before becoming an associate professor in the newly
formed African American Studies Department. In 1980 he was promoted
to Professor of African American Studies and Creative Writing, a
position he held until his retirement in 1999. Hernton served as
chair of the African American Studies Department for one year.
Prior to joining the Oberlin faculty, he received a B.A. in Sociology
from Talladega College in 1954 and an M.A. in the same field from
Fisk University in 1956. After spending three years as a childrens
social worker in New York City, he taught at several higher education
institutions before resuming social work. He returned to academia
as a writer-in-residence at Central State University before coming
to Oberlin.
Outside of Oberlin, Hernton was widely recognized as a prolific
and influential social and literary critic whose written work covered
a variety of genres. He was the author of 7 books in the fields
of sociology, poetry, and fiction. Sex and Racism in America
(Doubleday, 1965) remains his best-known and perhaps most controversial
work. In the book, he examined the ways in which racism operates
in collaboration with relations between the sexes.
Hernton also wrote several plays and numerous published scholarly
articles and poems. He frequently appeared at colleges around the
country and the world to present lectures and readings and was founder
and editor of Umbra, a magazine that published works by Langston
Hughes, Ishmael Reed, and Alice Walker. Herntons work on race
and sexual divisions influenced and inspired many black feminists,
including Walker and Toni Morrison.
At Oberlin, Herntons presence will be felt indefinitely. He
was one of the guiding forces in the development of the African
American Studies Department, which was officially established two
years after his arrival. With teaching interests in African, Caribbean
and African American literature, his courses attained legendary
status at Oberlin and were usually filled to capacity. Langston
Hughes and the Black Aesthetic is the course that he is perhaps
best remembered for.
Mr. Hernton was a great member of this faculty, President
of the College Nancy Dye said. He will be much missed
He was a lovely, lovely man.
Yakuba Saaka, Professor of African American Studies, joined the
Oberlin faculty in 1972 and was introduced to Hernton. The two worked
closely together to form their department.
[Hernton] had the hugest impact on a number of students,
Saaka said, reflecting the inspiration his former colleague provided
to several generations of students who worked with him.
The guy was a very, very unique character
He really
didnt have any sense of superiority. He was one of those people
that could relate to anyone at any level, Saaka said, describing
Herntons easy-going, unassuming nature. He used to throw
some of the best parties. He was a joy to have around.
Saaka emphasized the invaluable first-hand experience that Hernton
brought into his writing and teaching.
He was a bridge in the development of black literature. He
interacted with people who had a huge impact on the Black Hearts
Movement and was actively involved in the movement himself, from
a professional street level to the classroom, Saaka said.
He didnt just interpret what was written, but actually
lived it.
Saaka described Herntons intellectual approach as coming from
a sociological angle. His stuff was analyzing people in his
literature, his stuff was real. It was relevant to peoples
lives, he said.
Hernton was passionate about his work. After his illness had forced
him into early retirement, his desire to continue teaching remained.
The following year he taught another class.
Hernton remained a vocal and visible figure in Oberlins academic
sphere during his final years. He was still a peppy, funny
person, Saaka said. He took life as it was. He didnt
complain.
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