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Novelist Leon Forrest, 60, a Northwestern professor whose critically acclaimed works of fiction during a quarter century have explored the African American experience and defined the human condition, died Nov. 6 [1997] at Evanston Hospital.
He is survived by Marianne, his wife of 26 years; a stepson, James Claude Holt; a stepdaughter, Peggie Holt Price; and two grandsons.
"Leon Forrest was a wonderful teacher, inspired author and good friend," said University President Henry S. Bienen. "He will be sorely missed on our campus."
A faculty member for the past 24 years, Forrest was the author of four novels and several collections of essays. His first three novels were edited by Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison. Literary giant Ralph Ellison wrote the introduction to his first novel "There Is a Tree More Ancient than Eden," published in 1973.
Forrest's fiction ‹ particularly his 1,135-page opus titled "Divine Days" ‹ is often compared to that of James Joyce and William Faulkner for its eloquent language and striking imagery. Leading African-American literary critic Henry Louis Gates referred to "Divine Days," Forrest's last novel published in 1992, as the "War and Peace" of African- American literature.
Less than a year ago, the Art Institute of Chicago honored Forrest with a 60th birthday tribute for its "native son." The event was the first such literary tribute since Nobel Prize winner Saul Bellow was honored at the Art Institute on his 75th birthday. More than two decades ago, Bellow called Forrest "a fiery writer (and) an original."
Born in Chicago, Forrest was reared on the South Side in an extended family that included friends and neighbors fondly called "aunts and uncles." Both his father and mother read to him constantly, passing on to their only child a sense of oral eloquence.
Religion and music in Forrest's childhood influenced his literary works. He was reared within the Black Baptist and Catholic churches. The sermonic traditions of African- American preaching and rituals of Catholicism are infused in his works.
Forrest grew up to the voices of Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Mahalia Jackson and others. Flowing jazz-like rhythms of these and other musicians reverberate in "There is a Tree More Ancient than Eden," "The Bloodworth Orphans" and "Two Wings to Veil My Face," Forrest's first three novels known as the Forest County trilogy.
Forrest studied journalism and creative writing at Chicago's Wilson Junior College and Roosevelt University and took courses at the University of Chicago.
After serving in the Army, Forrest was a journalist for various South Side papers. He joined the staff of Elijah Muhammad's Black Muslim newspaper in 1969 and in 1972 became its last non-Muslim editor.
In 1973, Forrest joined Northwestern, teaching literature and creative writing. He was named chair of the department of African American Studies in 1985, serving for nine years. As professor of African American Studies and English, he introduced African-American and Southern literature to undergraduate students and mentored graduate students and earned a reputation as one of the most innovative and challenging contemporary novelists.
Bowling Green Press has published a collection devoted to his work, "Leon Forrest: Introductions and Interpretations."
Morrison to speak at Forrest service
A Jan. 30 memorial service to celebrate the life and work of renowned novelist Leon Forrest, professor of African American Studies and English, will include a eulogy given by the Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison.
The service will also feature singer Harriet Plumpp and the Northwestern Community Ensemble, as well as a tape of Forrest speaking at a tribute in honor of his 60th birthday at the Art Institute of Chicago in January 1997.
A Northwestern faculty member for 24 years, Forrest was the author of four novels and several collections of essays that explored the African American experience and defined the human condition. "Divine Days," a 1,135-page opus and his final novel, has been referred to as the "War and Peace" of African-American literature. The introduction to Forrest's first novel, "There Is a Tree More Ancient then Eden," was written by literary giant Ralph Ellison. Forrest's critically acclaimed fiction has been compared to that of James Joyce and William Faulkner for its eloquent language and striking imagery. Forrest was born and raised in Chicago.
Morrison, whose works include "The Bluest Eye" and "Beloved," was the editor of Forrest's first three novels as well as a personal friend.
The service will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30 in the Alice Millar Chapel, Evanston campus. A reception will follow in the Guild Lounge in Scott Hall. The University community and public are invited to attend.
Forrest memorial service will take place Friday
A Jan. 30 memorial service to celebrate the life and work of renowned novelist Leon Forrest, professor of African American Studies and English, will include a eulogy given by the Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison.
The service will also feature a tape of Forrest speaking at a tribute in honor of his 60th birthday at the Art Institute of Chicago in January 1997, introduced by his son-in-law, Curmie Price.
A Northwestern faculty member for 24 years, Forrest was the author of four novels and several collections of essays that explored the African American experience and defined the human condition. "Divine Days," a 1,135-page opus and his final novel, has been referred to as the "War and Peace" of African-American literature. The introduction to Forrest's first novel, "There Is a Tree More Ancient than Eden," was written by literary giant Ralph Ellison. Forrest's critically acclaimed fiction has been compared to that of James Joyce and William Faulkner for its eloquent language and striking imagery. Forrest was born and raised in Chicago.
Morrison, whose works include "The Bluest Eye" and "Beloved," was the editor of Forrest's first three novels as well as a personal friend.
Other participants in the service include Zachary Price, Leon Forrest's grandson and School of Speech student, who will read a poem by Dylan Thomas. Tributes will be given by Marcus Alexis, professor of economics; Sandra Richards, professor of African-American Studies; Judy Taylor, graduate student; John Cawelti, an English professor at the University of Kentucky; James Alan McPherson, professor at the University of Iowa's Writer's Workshop; and Barbara Fields, historian at Columbia University.
Singer Harriet Plumpp, a family friend, and the Northwestern Community Ensemble gospel choir will perform.
The service is 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30 in the Alice Millar Chapel, Evanston campus. A reception will follow in the Guild Lounge in Scott Hall. The University community and public are invited to attend.
