Cecil Brown (writer) facts for kids

Cecil Brown, born on July 3, 1943, is an amazing African-American writer and teacher. He writes novels, short stories, and even movie scripts! He also teaches at a college. Some of his most famous works include the book The Life and Loves of Mr. Jiveass ... (from 1969). He also helped write the movie Which Way Is Up? for the comedian Richard Pryor in 1977.

About Cecil Brown

Cecil Brown grew up in a quiet, rural area called Bolton, North Carolina. He went to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. There, he earned his first degree in English in 1966. He then studied at Columbia University and later got his master's degree from the University of Chicago in 1967.

Later, while living in Berkeley, California, he continued his studies. In 1993, he earned his Ph.D. This is a very high degree, showing he is an expert in African American Studies, Folklore, and Narrative. He returned to Berkeley in the late 1980s. Today, he is a professor at UC Berkeley, where he teaches students.

Books and Screenplays

Cecil Brown has written many interesting books and screenplays. A screenplay is the script for a movie. Here are some of his important works:

• Pryor Lives (1969)
• Days without Weather (1983)
• Coming Up Down Home (1993)
• I, Stagolee (1993)
• Stagolee Shot Billy (2003)
• Dude, Where's My Black Studies Department? (2007)
• Journey's End (2007)

He also worked as a screenwriter for the 1977 film Which Way Is Up? This movie starred the famous comedian Richard Pryor.

Awards and Honors

Cecil Brown has received several awards for his writing and academic work. These awards show how much his contributions are valued.

• In 1966, he won the Professor John Angus Burrell Memorial Prize from the English Department at Columbia University.
• In 1984, he received the American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation for his book Days Without Weather.
• He was given the Berlin Literary Fellowship in 1985.
• In 1986, he received the Besonders Wertvoll Film Preises.
• In 1992, he earned the Mentor Fellowship from UC Berkeley.