Thomas Dent (writer)
Encyclopedia
Thomas Covington Dent was an African American
poet and writer.
, to Albert Dent, president of Dillard University
and Ernestine Jessie Covington Dent, a concert pianist. He was the oldest of three sons. Thomas graduated from Gilbert Academy in 1947. He continued his education at Morehouse College
receiving a bachelor's degree
in political science
in 1952. Thomas furthered his education at Syracuse University
eventually receiving his doctorate
in international studies in 1956.
Thomas Dent was a member of the U.S. Army
for two years, 1957-59.
His published works included the book of poetry, Magnolia Street.
He was a passionate groomer of other Black writers and worked hard to sustain the Free Southern Theatre writing workshop and Congo Square Writers' Union in his hometown of New Orleans and the Umbra Workshop
on the Lower East Side in New York
.
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
poet and writer.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Dent was born on March, 20 1932, in New Orleans, LouisianaNew Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
, to Albert Dent, president of Dillard University
Dillard University
Dillard University is a private, historically black liberal arts college in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1930 incorporating earlier institutions that went back to 1869, it is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church....
and Ernestine Jessie Covington Dent, a concert pianist. He was the oldest of three sons. Thomas graduated from Gilbert Academy in 1947. He continued his education at Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College is a private, all-male, liberal arts, historically black college located in Atlanta, Georgia. Along with Hampden-Sydney College and Wabash College, Morehouse is one of three remaining traditional men's colleges in the United States....
receiving a bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in political science
Political science
Political Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
in 1952. Thomas furthered his education at Syracuse University
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
eventually receiving his doctorate
Doctorate
A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder to teach in a specific field, A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder...
in international studies in 1956.
Thomas Dent was a member of the U.S. Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
for two years, 1957-59.
His published works included the book of poetry, Magnolia Street.
He was a passionate groomer of other Black writers and worked hard to sustain the Free Southern Theatre writing workshop and Congo Square Writers' Union in his hometown of New Orleans and the Umbra Workshop
Umbra poets
Umbra was a collective of young Black writers based in Manhattan's Lower East Side founded in 1962. Major members included the following writers:*Steve Cannon*Thomas Covington Dent/Tom Dent*Al Haynes*David Henderson*Calvin C. Hernton*Joe Johnson...
on the Lower East Side in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
.