Michael Eric Dyson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Reverend Michael Eric Dyson
Born	(1958-10-23) October 23, 1958 (age 66) Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Spouse(s)	Theresa Taylor ​ ​ (m. 1977; div. 1979)​ Brenda Joyce ​ ​ (m. 1982; div. 1992)​ Marcia Louise ​ (m. 1992)​
Michael Eric Dyson Ordained c. 1977
Alma mater	Carson–Newman College Princeton University
Scientific career
Institutions	Vanderbilt University
Thesis	Uses of Heroes: Celebration and Criticism in the Interpretation of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. (1993)
Influences	Manning Marable

Michael Eric Dyson (born October 23, 1958) is an American writer, teacher, minister, and radio host. He is known for his work as a professor at Vanderbilt University. He writes and speaks about important topics like race, religion, and politics.

Dyson has written many books. Some of his books are about famous people like Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, and Tupac Shakur. He is seen as someone who understands both academic ideas and everyday life.

Early Life and Education

Michael Eric Dyson was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 23, 1958. His mother was Addie Mae Leonard. He was adopted by his stepfather, Everett Dyson.

He went to Cranbrook School on a scholarship. Later, he finished his high school education at Northwestern High School. When he was nineteen, he became a Baptist minister.

Dyson worked in factories in Detroit to help his family. At age twenty-one, he started college at Knoxville College. He earned his first degree with high honors from Carson–Newman College in 1985. In 1993, he earned his Ph.D. in religion from Princeton University. His Ph.D. paper was about how people see Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr..

Career Highlights

A Professor and Teacher

Michael Eric Dyson has taught at many universities. These include Brown University, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania. From 2007 to 2020, he was a professor at Georgetown University.

In 2021, he moved to Vanderbilt University. There, he is a special professor in African American and Diaspora Studies. He also teaches about ethics in the Divinity School.

A Talented Author

Dyson has written or edited more than twenty books. His 1994 book, Making Malcolm: The Myth and Meaning of Malcolm X, was named a notable book by The New York Times.

In his 2006 book, Come Hell or High Water, Dyson wrote about Hurricane Katrina. He looked at how the disaster showed problems with race and class in society. His book Born to Use Mics (2010) explored the meaning of the album Illmatic by the rapper Nas. In this book, Dyson wrote about how the justice system affects young Black men. Many of his recent books have been on the New York Times Bestseller list.

A Voice on Radio and TV

Michael Eric Dyson has hosted his own radio show. He has also been a commentator on National Public Radio, MSNBC, and CNN. He often appears as a guest on the TV show Real Time with Bill Maher.

In 2015, he became a political analyst for MSNBC. In 2018, he took part in a debate about political correctness. He also spoke at the funeral of the famous singer Aretha Franklin. His radio show, The Michael Eric Dyson Show, started in 2009. The first guest on his show was Oprah Winfrey.

His Beliefs

Michael Eric Dyson believes that Black people in America still face challenges. He thinks these challenges come from a long history of unfair treatment. He has suggested that white Americans can help by giving their time and money to support local Black communities. This is one way to help balance out past disadvantages.

Awards and Recognition

Michael Eric Dyson has received several awards for his writing.