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The author of three critically acclaimed and well-respected books, Art T. Burton has spent the better part of 20 years reclaiming the heritage of African Americans in the American West. Burton has a distinguished career in education and the arts. He received bachelor and masters degrees in cultural and ethnic studies at Governors State University (GSU), where he served as student assistant dean. Additionally, he was selected as a recipient of “Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities,” and traveled to Brazil with GSU’s award-winning Jazz Band as their percussionist.

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Black History Month (February, 2012)

Even though I believe (as a History Professor) that historical discovery is applicable for all 12 months of the year, I will forego this and speak to Black History Month, 2012.

I recently saw a wonderful movie, entitled “Red Tails” about the infamous Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. This motion picture was inspiring and enlightening with the producer George Lucas (Star Wars) footing the entire bill of an estimated $60 million from his personal assets! A student stated that they would have liked to see more background information on their education, family life, etc. but a movie cannot, and sometimes, will not, give you everything in the span of 2 hours. I encourage each individual to do their own research about the Tuskegee Airmen or the 761st Tank Battalion—visit your local library or go online today!

I am always happy when a movie about the Black experience comes to the screen because it gives me hope that a film will soon come to fruition about the legendary lawman, Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves. He is my hero and a fine example of men who, like the Tuskegee Airmen, risked their lives for justice and freedom.

Excellent examples for your Black History reading enjoyment include any of my books about the history of African Americans in the Wild West, Vaunda Nelson’s children’s book entitled, “Bad News for Outlaws, and “The New Jim Crow,” by Michelle Alexander.

Knowledge is Power,

Art

 

 

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WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT HIS BOOKS AND LECTURES:

“(Black, Red, and Deadly: Black and Indian Gunfighters of the Indian Territories, 1870-1907) is a meaningful addition to my library, especially with the recent dedication of the Buffalo Soldier Monument. Your book illuminates another exciting chapter in the story of the outstanding contributions made by African Americans to our Nation's history.”

- Colin L. Powell,
65th United States Secretary of State, American statesman and a
retired four-star general in the United States Army.

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“For my fellow writer, Art T. Burton, who has given us a real marshal of Parker’s Court, Bass Reeves, with admiration.”

- Charles Portis,
author of True Grit, the novel, which was made into a movie starring John Wayne,
also an upcoming movie adaption by the Coen Brothers, he remarked about Black Gun, Silver Star.

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“Thank you for telling those stories to us. They are an important part of United States history.”

- Sterling B. Epps,
Special Assistant to the Director-Congressional Affairs, U.S. Department of Justice

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“Burton’s true tales about Black men of iron resolve such as U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves are a breakthrough for minority groups who often feel left out of the dominant American myth of the cowboy. Burton might have focused on Reeves alone, but his wider view includes many more Indian and Black gunfighters, lawmen, outlaws....”

- Michael Martin Murphy,
Cowboy Singer & Songwriter, Albuquerque Journal

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“Those who attended (your lecture) really loved hearing about your research and stories of the Wild West. Your accomplishments are very impressive!”

- Eileen Morrow,
Office of Black Student Affairs College of Wooster

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“Art T. Burton’s homage to the Black lawmen and outlaws who populated the old West...”

- Ebony Magazine