Dempsey Travis facts for kids

Dempsey Travis (February 25, 1920 – July 2, 2009) was an important American who helped people buy homes, fought for civil rights, and wrote many books. He focused on African-American history, politics, social issues, and music.

Early Life and Education

Dempsey Travis was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1920. He served in the United States Army during World War II from 1942 to 1946. After the war, he went to Roosevelt University and earned his degree in 1949.

Helping People Buy Homes

Dempsey Travis was a smart businessman. He wanted to help African-American neighborhoods in Chicago grow stronger. In 1949, he started Travis Realty Company. Four years later, he started Sivart Mortgage Company. These companies made it easier for African Americans to get loans to buy homes.

Many African Americans were losing their homes because of city changes. Travis's companies helped them find new properties in Chicago. In 1961, he created the United Mortgage Bankers of America. He led this group until 1974. Travis also advised Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford on housing and city improvement plans.

Fighting for Civil Rights

Travis was also a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement. In 1959, he became the president of the Chicago chapter of the NAACP. The NAACP is a group that works for equal rights for all people.

In 1960, Travis helped organize Martin Luther King Jr.'s first civil rights march in Chicago. This march took place on July 24, 1960.

Becoming an Author

Dempsey Travis started his writing career in 1969. He founded a company called Urban Research Institute, later known as Urban Research Press. At first, this company published studies about issues facing African Americans in cities. Later, it became a place to publish books, including 21 of Travis's own works.

His first book was a children's book called Don’t Stop Me Now (1970). In 1981, he wrote An Autobiography of Black Chicago. This book was a big success. It was the first book by an African-American author to be on the Chicago Tribune bestsellers list.

Travis also wrote An Autobiography of Black Jazz (1983). His books often combined historical facts with stories from interviews. He also published An Autobiography of Black Politics (1987), The Victory Monument, I Refuse to Learn to Fail, and Views from the Back of the Bus.

Awards and Recognition

Dempsey Travis received many honors for his work. He was listed in important books like Who’s Who in America. The Chicago Sun-Times named him one of the "People Who Have Made a Difference." Ebony magazine also listed him among the "100 Most Influential Black Americans."

Several television shows about Travis were nominated for Emmy awards. In 1975, he received the "First Annual Finance Achievement Award" from Black Enterprise magazine.

Important Collections

Dempsey Travis's writings and interviews are kept in three places. You can find them at the Roosevelt University Library, the Chicago Public Library Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection, and the Chicago History Museum. These collections mostly show his work as an author. They include many interviews with important African-American figures in politics, business, and entertainment.