Don Belton facts for kids

Donald Cornelius Belton (born August 7, 1956 – died December 27, 2009) was an African-American author, editor, and teacher. He wrote books and essays that explored important ideas about identity and life experiences.

About Don Belton's Life

Don Belton was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 7, 1956. His parents were Charles and Dora Belton. He grew up in Newark, New Jersey, raised by his grandmother. Don was a bright student and received a scholarship to attend William Penn Charter School.

He went to Bennington College for his university studies. While there, he became friends with a famous writer named James Baldwin. Baldwin encouraged Don to pursue writing. Don earned his first degree from Bennington in 1981. He then got a master's degree in creative writing from Hollins College in 1982. Before becoming a full-time writer and teacher, Don worked as a reporter for Newsweek magazine.

Don Belton's Books and Writings

In 1986, Don Belton's first novel, Almost Midnight, was published. This book tells the story of a preacher through the memories of three women. People have described Almost Midnight as a "magical tale" because it blends real life with fantasy elements. Some critics now see it as a story that uses elements from African folk traditions.

Don also edited an important book called Speak My Name: Black Men on Masculinity and the American Dream. This collection of essays was published in 1995. It was praised for celebrating the experiences of Black men. In 2005, one of Don's essays, "Where We Live: A Conversation with Essex Hemphill and Isaac Julien", was included in a book called Freedom in This Village: Twenty-Five Years of Black Gay Men's Writing, 1979 to the Present. This book won an award called the Lambda Literary Award.

Don Belton as a Teacher

Don Belton was also a dedicated teacher. He taught creative writing at several universities across the United States. These included Temple University, Shippensburg University, the University of Michigan, Macalester College, the University of Pennsylvania, and Indiana University, Bloomington. In the fall of 2009, he started a permanent teaching job at Indiana University.

Sadly, Don Belton passed away at his home in Bloomington, Indiana, on December 28, 2009. At the time of his death, he was working on his second novel.

Don Belton's Manuscripts and Library

After Don Belton's death, his writings and personal items were collected. In 2010, about 25,000 items were acquired by the Lilly Library at Indiana University, Bloomington. This special collection includes his notebooks and letters. He corresponded with other famous writers like Chinua Achebe, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and Jonathan Lethem. A unique item in his collection is a preserved alligator head filled with flashcards, which he used for teaching!

His personal library, full of books he owned, was also acquired by Indiana University. It is now part of the English Department and the Indiana University Food Studies Department.

Awards Don Belton Received

Don Belton was recognized for his talent and work. Here are some of the awards and fellowships he received:

• Lila Wallace International Travel and Research Grant
• Bellagio/Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship
• MacDowell Artists Colony Fellowship
• Dance Advance/Pew Charitable Trust Grant for Dramaturgy

Don Belton's Published Works

Don Belton's writings explored themes like understanding who you are and the importance of love and finding a safe place. His friendships with other writers influenced his exploration of different kinds of caring relationships between people in his stories.

• Almost Midnight (1986)
• Speak My Name: Black Men on Masculinity and the American Dream (as editor, 1996)

Other Writings Don Belton also wrote many short stories and essays that appeared in different collections:

• "My Soul is a Witness", in Breaking Ice: an Anthology of Contemporary African-American Fiction (1990)
• "Her Mother's Prayers on Fire" in Calling the Wind: Twentieth-century African-american Short Stories (1993)
• "My Father's House", in Wrestling with the Angel: Faith and Religion In the Lives of Gay Men (1995)
• “Introduction", in Gary in Your Pocket: Stories and Notebooks of Gary Fisher (1996)
• “Voodoo for Charles", in Black Men Speaking (1997)