Steven Whitehurst facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Steven Whitehurst
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Steven Fondren
March 3, 1967 |
| Education | Chicago State University (BA) |
| Occupation | Author |
| Political party | Independent |
| Children | 1 |
Steven Whitehurst, born on March 3, 1967, is an African-American author, poet, and educator. He lives in Calumet City, Illinois.
Contents
Steven Whitehurst's Life Story
Steven Whitehurst was born Steven Fondren in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up with his mother, Oneda Fondren, and his grandmother, Sarah Fondren. When he was young, his mother got married, and her name became Oneda Whitehurst. Steven was adopted by his stepfather, and his last name also changed to Whitehurst. He then moved to Harvey, Illinois, where he spent his childhood.
Education and Early Career
After finishing Thornton Township High School in 1984, Whitehurst went to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. There, he was part of the U.S. Air Force ROTC program, which trains future military officers. He later attended Thornton Community College, now called South Suburban College. He earned two degrees with high honors in history and geography. While there, he joined the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Fraternity, a group for top students.
Whitehurst then graduated with honors from Chicago State University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in history and also studied political science. He later went back to Chicago State University to study more about history and ethnic studies.
Community and Political Work
Steven Whitehurst was active in his community. He took part in civil rights marches to support fairness and equality for all people. He also worked for many political campaigns. These included campaigns for Senator Carol Moseley Braun and Judge R. Eugene Pincham. He also worked for the Jesse Jackson presidential campaign, 1988. For a short time, he was even a leader for the Illinois Solidarity Party in his local area.
Professional Life
After college, Whitehurst worked for the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This government agency helps make sure everyone has a fair chance at a job. In 1991, he returned to South Suburban College, where he had studied. He became an advisor for a program called Student Support Services TRIO Grant. This program helps students succeed in college.
In 1994, he was promoted to Director of Student Development at the college. In this role, he started a new program that helped students easily transfer their credits to Wilberforce University. This was a special agreement with a historically Black college or university. He managed seven different departments at the college, including the student support program he used to work for. In 1996, he had to retire due to health reasons.
Author and Public Figure
Steven Whitehurst is the author of a book called Words From An Unchained Mind. He also contributed to another book, Rodney King And The L.A. Rebellion: Analysis & Commentary By 13 Independent Black Writers. Whitehurst was also featured on a national TV show called Heroes: A Triumph Of Spirit, Vol. 4. This show highlighted positive people in the African-American community. He has also written reviews of books and movies for many different publications.
Books
- Words From An Unchained Mind (United Brothers & Sisters Communications Systems, 1991. ISBN: 1-56411-014-1)
- Rodney King And The L.A. Rebellion: Analysis & Commentary By 13 Independent Black Writers (United Brothers & Sisters Communications Systems, 1992. ISBN: 1-56411-036-2)
Awards and Recognition
Steven Whitehurst has received several awards for his work and contributions:
- New Scriblerus Society Creative Excellence Award
- Afrique Newsmagazine 1994 Malcolm X Award for Self-Actualization
- 1995 Hero Award
- Listed in "Who's Who In America" (a list of notable people in the U.S.)
- Listed in "Who's Who Among African Americans"
- Listed in "Who's Who In Writers, Editors & Poets"
Reviews by Steven Whitehurst
Steven Whitehurst has written reviews for various publications, sharing his thoughts on different works:
- The FBI's War On Black America Documentary By Denis Mueller and Deb Ellis (MPI Home Video, ISBN: 1-55607-982-6) - Reviewed in "The National Newport News & Commentator," July/August 1992.
- My Life With The Black Panther Party By Akua Njeri (Burning Spear Publications) - Reviewed in the "South Suburban Standard" Newspaper, January 9, 1992.
- Culture of Violence: The Foundation of White America On Slavery and Genocide By Penny Hess (Burning Spear Publications) - Reviewed in the "Multicultural Publishers Exchange," January/February 1993.
- The Last Speeches of Huey P. Newton Presentations By Omali Yeshitela (Burning Spear Publications) - Reviewed in the "Multicultural Publishers Exchange," January/February 1993.
