If you aren't familiar with Harold Cruse and his works, and consider yourself a scholar of American life, whether you are a social scientist, or a philosopher, you're on crack. I had the chance to take a class with Cruse as an undergrad, and a number of chances to talk with him while in grad school at the University of Michigan. A few of my boys and I held a conference in his honor several years ago, and Jelani Cobb (no relation to Mike) came out with an edited collection of his best pieces. In fact it was through Jelani that I'd gotten word that Cruse passed in his sleep on Friday. I wish I could've found out sooner. We were in the middle of our annual conference for black political scientists, and it would have been an excellent time to reflect on his legacy. Vision Circle would not be here if it weren't for people like Cruse. He'll be sorely missed.
I had a chance to meet Bro.Cruse ,and I'm forever grateful to Dr.Spence for making that possible.
tootsie
When I was a boy, a man by the name of Charles Thomas Jr. changed my life in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He opened my eyes to the world of electronics and computers. So much so that I became a mini-prodigy (ran my own BBS at 11 years old). Mr. Thomas introduced to Harold Cruse when I was 13. Mr. Cruse was having computer trouble (old Apple IIc and IIe) and I was there to "tutor" him. Mr. Cruse got a kick out of me instucting him at 13. Gave me an autographed copy of "The Crisis of the Negro Intellectual" (and Basil Allen hooked me up with a little inspiration). That book never is damn near enshrined in my home.
Harold Cruse will be missed. Glad my boy Solomon turned me on to this site.
Posted by: Tyrone Steels II at March 29, 2005 10:45 PM