Lorene Cary facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lorene Cary
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Cary in 2006
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| Born | 1956 (age 68–69) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Alma mater | St. Paul's School University of Pennsylvania University of Sussex |
| Period | 1988–present |
| Genre | Memoir, novel, historical novel |
| Subject | African-American experience |
| Notable works | Black Ice |
Lorene Cary (born in 1956) is an American author, teacher, and someone who works to make society better. She writes books, teaches students, and helps communities.
Contents
About Lorene Cary
Early Life and Education
Lorene Cary grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1972, she received a special invitation. She was asked to attend St. Paul's boarding school in New Hampshire. This was an elite school, and she went there on a scholarship.
She was one of the first African-American girls to attend the school. Lorene studied there for two years and graduated in 1974. After that, she went to the University of Pennsylvania. She earned her undergraduate and master's degrees there in 1978.
Studying Abroad and Early Career
Lorene Cary then received a special scholarship called the Thouron Fellowship. This allowed her to study in the United Kingdom. She attended Sussex University and earned another master's degree. Her studies focused on Victorian literature.
After college, Lorene worked for several well-known magazines. These included Time, TV Guide, and Newsweek. She also wrote articles for other magazines as a freelance writer. In 1982, she returned to St. Paul's School, but this time as a teacher. Today, she teaches creative writing at the University of Pennsylvania.
Lorene Cary's Books
Black Ice Memoir
In 1988, Lorene Cary wrote an article about her experiences at St. Paul's School. This article led her to write a longer book. In 1991, she published her memoir called Black Ice. A memoir is a true story about a part of someone's life.
Critics praised the book, calling it "stunning." It was honest about important topics like social class, race, and gender in America. The New York Times even listed it as recommended summer reading.
The Price of a Child Novel
In 1995, Lorene Cary published her first novel, The Price of a Child. A novel is a fictional story. This book was inspired by the true story of Jane Johnson. Jane was an enslaved woman who escaped to freedom with her two sons. This happened while she was briefly in Philadelphia.
The story is set in 1855. It follows Ginnie Pryor, an enslaved person from Virginia. She escapes while traveling with her new owner. Ginnie uses the Underground Railroad to find freedom. She then works hard to build a new life in Philadelphia. Reviewers said Lorene Cary is a powerful storyteller.
Other Novels and Young Adult Books
In 1998, Cary published her second novel, Pride. This book explores the lives of four modern black middle-class women.
Her first book for young adults was FREE!. It came out in 2005. This book is a collection of true stories about the Underground Railroad. Lorene Cary said these stories help readers imagine what it was like for enslaved people. She wanted readers to feel compassion and respect for them.
In 2011, Lorene Cary published her third novel, If Sons, Then Heirs. This is a modern story about family and race. It shows how the past can still affect the present. The story follows Alonzo Rayne. He grew up in South Carolina with his great-grandmother, Selma. Now, he owns a construction business in Philadelphia. Alonzo goes back to South Carolina to ask Selma to sell her land. This is to help pay for her care. However, Selma doesn't own the land anymore. This is because of old inheritance laws. The story also involves Alonzo's mother, who wants to reconnect. And Alonzo's search for answers about his great-grandmother's land.
Art Sanctuary Organization
In 1998, Lorene Cary started an organization called Art Sanctuary. This group supports African-American arts and literature. It helps showcase talented artists in writing, visual arts, and performing arts.
Art Sanctuary holds an African American arts festival every year. During this festival, writers talk about their work with many students. Thousands of people also take part in workshops and other events. These events include panels, a basketball tournament, and a family pavilion.
