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 professor, writer, and a Baptist minister. He also used to host a radio show. He teaches at Vanderbilt University in both the College of Arts and Science and the Divinity School.

Dyson has written or edited more than twenty books. These books cover topics like race, religion, and politics. He has also written biographies about famous people such as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Marvin Gaye, Barack Obama, Bill Cosby, Tupac Shakur, and Jay-Z.

Early Life and Education

Michael Eric Dyson was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 23, 1958. His mother was Addie Mae Leonard from Alabama. His stepfather, Everett Dyson, adopted him after marrying his mother in 1960.

Dyson attended Cranbrook School on a scholarship. However, he later left and finished his high school education at Northwestern High School. When he was nineteen, he became an ordained Baptist minister.

Before going to college, he worked in factories in Detroit to help support his family. At twenty-one, he started college at Knoxville College. He earned his first degree, a bachelor's degree, with high honors from Carson–Newman College in 1985. In 1993, he received his Ph.D. (a very advanced degree) in religion from Princeton University. His Ph.D. paper was about how people view heroes like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Michael Dyson's Career

A Professor and Teacher

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

In 2021, Dyson moved to Vanderbilt University. There, he is a special professor in African American and Diaspora Studies. He also teaches Ethics and Society in the Divinity School. He was also a visiting professor at Middlebury College from 2016 to 2018.

An Accomplished Author

Dyson is a well-known author. 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: Hurricane Katrina and the Color of Disaster, he looked at the social and political issues after Hurricane Katrina. He argued that the disaster showed problems in how people relate to different races and social classes.

In 2010, Dyson edited a book called Born to Use Mics: Reading Nas's Illmatic. This book included essays from different writers about the famous album by Nas. In his own essay, Dyson wrote about how the justice system in the U.S. treats young Black males unfairly. His last three books have often appeared on The New York Times Bestseller list.

A Commentator and Radio Host

Michael Eric Dyson also hosted a radio show from January 2006 to February 2007. He is a regular commentator on National Public Radio, MSNBC, and CNN. He also often appears on the TV show Real Time with Bill Maher. In July 2015, he became a political analyst for MSNBC.

In May 2018, he took part in a debate about political correctness. He argued alongside Michelle Goldberg. In August 2018, Dyson spoke at the funeral of the famous singer Aretha Franklin.

His radio show, The Michael Eric Dyson Show, started on April 6, 2009. The first guest on his show was Oprah Winfrey. Dyson dedicated his 2009 book, Can You Hear Me Now? The Inspiration, Wisdom, and Insight of Michael Eric Dyson, to her. The show ended in December 2011.

Dyson also served on the board of directors for the Common Ground Foundation. This group works to help young people in cities across the United States.

Michael Dyson's Beliefs

Dyson believes that Black people in America continue to face challenges from past unfair treatment. He has suggested that white Americans who want to help can donate their time and money. This support can go to local Black communities.

Awards and Recognition

Michael Eric Dyson has received several awards for his work.