William Loren Katz facts for kids
William Loren Katz (June 2, 1927 – October 25, 2019) was an American teacher, historian, and author. He wrote 40 books, many about African-American history. Some of his books were for young readers. He was especially known for studying and writing about the long history between African Americans and Native Americans. His famous books include Breaking the Chains: African American Slave Resistance, The Black West, and Black Women of the Old West.
About William Loren Katz
William Loren Katz was born in New York City in 1927. His parents were Ben and Madeline Katz. After finishing high school in 1944, he joined the Navy when he was 17. He then used the G.I. Bill to go to college.
He earned a degree in history from Syracuse University in 1950. Later, he got a master's degree in education from New York University in 1952. Mr. Katz taught in public schools in New York City and New York State for 14 years.
He also advised important groups like the U.S. Senate and the Smithsonian Institution. He even advised school systems across the country and in England. Mr. Katz was married to Dr. Laurie Lehman, a professor who studied how to help students with special needs. He had two children, Michael and Naomi, and a granddaughter named Maya.
Mr. Katz wrote a column called "Education and Books" for the New York Daily Challenge newspaper. He also wrote articles for other newspapers and magazines. He had his own interview show on Pacifica Radio station WBAI-FM in New York. He also appeared on many TV and radio programs, often hosted by Native Americans and African Americans. In 2000, he received the White Dove Imani Peace Award.
He gave talks at more than 50 universities. He also spoke at many museums and libraries. These included The American Museum of Natural History and the Schomburg Library. In 1973, he started working with New York University. He helped prepare over 220 research books for libraries.
His books, research, and talks won many awards. For example, his book Breaking the Chains won the Carter G. Woodson book award in 1991. Many famous people admired his work, including John Hope Franklin, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Alice Walker, and Howard Zinn.
Mr. Katz's Work
William Loren Katz had a long and active career.
- From 1955 to 1960, he taught American history in New York City public schools.
- From 1960 to 1968, he taught American history at Greenburgh District 8 School System in Hartsdale, New York.
- Starting in 1977, he taught U.S. history at the New School for Social Research in New York.
- From 1971 to 1973, he was a scholar and research fellow at Columbia University.
- He gave lectures on African American history to teachers.
- He even taught black history at Toombs Prison.
- Mr. Katz spoke before the U.S. Senate about African American history.
- He appeared on many television and radio shows, including the Today Show.
- He was an advisor to President Kennedy's committee on helping young people. He also advised the Smithsonian Institution and U.S. Air Force schools in Europe. He worked with the British House of Commons, Life magazine, The New York Times, and CBS-TV.
In 2012, he received the National Underground Railroad to Freedom Award. This award was given by the National Park Service. He also gave a special speech called "The Underground Railroad that Ran South to Freedom." He received another award for his lifetime contributions to books for children of African descent. This award came from New York University, where he had been a scholar.
