January 21, 2008
When Barak Obama stirred a national audience with a powerful sample of classic oratory, it stirred something in me to write a few lines in praise of the craft (oratory). The occasion was Obama’s victory in the first of the national contests – the Iowa Caucus. My lines churned up some fascinating comments… particularly from those who participate in the world of education where the arts must compete in an arena dominated by a utilitarian crowd who just can’t seem to quantify the value of such things as public speech to their satisfaction.
I never intended to take a political stance. Instead, I made an attempt to underscore the power of a seemingly lost art. Now with a week or two past in a rough and tumble national campaign in both parties, oratory takes a back seat to other dynamics. To date, assumptions surrounding any notion of a “presumptive nominee” of either the blue or red party have pretty well been set aside. The whole contest is up for grabs.
Melvin B. Tolson wrote an epic poem he called “Libretto for the Republic of Liberia” in 1953. For it, this young, unlikely African American college professor turned Mayor of a small southern town was named Liberia’s Poet Laureate. That, along with published works in such prestigious journals as Atlantic Monthly, would have opened many doors. But Tolson lived in relative obscurity. Until now.
Tolson died after a nasty cancer surgery in 1966. But study his influence, and you’ll find that Tolson’s students made a powerful mark in history. He was honest. Direct. Articulate. And he believed in oratory. You’ll find his work in the Harlem gallery. Back at Langsdon College, you’d find him directing the drama team at the Dust Bowl Theater. When he was at Wiley College, he coached the debate team to a dramatic, surprise victory.
He was an educator who transcended the ordinary expectations of a college professor. His passions embraced the unmasked expression of truth. Langston Hughes, another poet, said this: Tolson is “no highbrow. Students revere him and love him. Kids from the cotton fields like him. Cow punchers understand him … He’s a great talker.”
A great friend and mentor to Tolson was James L. Farmer, Ph.D. Dr. Farmer was the first African American from Texas to earn a doctorate (Boston University, 1918). Their friendship grew at Wiley as the debate team went off on an unprecedented winning streak.
It’s no surprise that Denzel Washington and Oprah Winfrey collaborated on a feature film based on the debate team’s ascent from the depression era small town where the tension of racism was a way of life to the high profile victory that stunned the academic community – and the watching world in 1935.
Critics give The Great Debaters high marks, in spite of the liberties taken by the film’s creators. The movie version strays from the facts on several levels. For example, the themes of the debates are contrived and the final contest took place at the University of Southern California, not Harvard. But the essence of Tolson’s persona his captured in a powerful performance by Denzel Washington. The same can be said of Forest Whitaker’s portrayal of Farmer, Sr. I can’t help but see a link between that discussion of oratory a couple weeks ago and the commanding message of “The Great Debaters.” Perhaps Obama has taken his oratory cues from Denzel Washington. And Forest Whitaker. And the others in this powerful cast.
“Debate is a blood sport,” proclaimed professor Tolson. Words… the use of words, the context of words, the delivery of words… have a powerful effect.
They can launch the civil rights movement. They can clean up corruption. They can challenge injustice. They can inspire what is best.
* * * * * *
Last Saturday morning, in a small town a few hours north of here, I followed a young Tolson protégé around a campus on the eastern slopes of the Sierras. He’s a high school teacher (with a doctorate) and the creator of a thing he calls Playhouse 395. They are mobilizing the town for a sizable production of The Music Man. (It’s a follow-up to their most recent highly acclaimed presentation of Annie.)
Tolson’s students went on to achieve enormous goals. Same with my new friend up north. His students have been introduced to a whole new level of achievement and possibilities.
On this Monday morning, you are a leader, too. Maybe more than you know, your influence touches lives. You inspire. You open doors. You paint a picture of what can be. You help them over the hurdles. You help put the past in proper perspective.
It’s your life. It’s your actions. It’s your initiative. It’s your words.
It’s your oratory.
Copyright, Kenneth E Kemp 2008
Good morning, Ken. I love any movie where “the underdog” triumphs over the “privileged.” Many young people never realize their gifts because life buries them with “circumstances.” Truly, a great teacher can offer a light in the darkenss and redirect lives. Jesus did that. Blessings to all. Pam
You know it brother, and don’t we know it…little wonder why the God of the Universe used words to convey all truth, leaving us His Word, His Truth, His Story.
You point us back to that beautiful fact today. He is so good, so gracious. You serve Him well my friend, stirring the edges of our minds to ponder our existence more fully, to consider, like a solider would a strategy for battle, the power we have to effect change because we have His Word living in us. Please know that you are leaving the corner of the world He has given you a better place.
I can see the smile in your eyes even now. Thanks so much. Never quit.
Pam, who wrote the first response, enjoys any movie where “the underdog” triumphs over the “privileged.” I am the same way because I grew up “an underdog” and I have tried harder at everything because of it. For that reason I will make sure and see this movie as soon as possible.
Unfortunately oratory is almost a lost art. The best oratories are remembered because of their inspiration. Today we celebrate an orator whose one moment in time was his “I have a dream” speech. Indeed it was an inspiring speech. Ken, you were brilliant in picking this topic for today!
It is wonderful to see a teacher such as Ken’s new discovery of a young Tolson protégé on highway 395. I wonder how many of my colleagues at Cal Poly University really know the opportunity that they have to inspire students. Certainly they speak often, but do they inspire?
Bob Stumpf
NOTE: Dr. Robert Stumpf is Professor Emeritus at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona
Your penmanship each week awakens the spirit of greatness in many. Through words you capture the heart and soul of the human spirit. A gift from God, and one that shows each week as you greet those of us that await your inspiration.
Thanks,
Craig
Thanks, Ken, for your comments on oratory. How important it is to communicate clearly and powerfully!
George
Is it possible to discuss oratory without mentioning Winston Churchill? Pound for pound perhaps the most dynamic, stirring, inspirational, tough, and unflinching of the great orators. Who can forget his measured words in the face of seemingly overwhelming nazi tyranny? “We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and the oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender. ”
Once again, Ken – thanks for the unique opportunity to share observations with the larger community.
Shume mire!