I had the honour of hearing this dude speak this evening:
http://www.galegroup.com/free_resources/bhm/bio/dyson_m.htm
He is a Detroit native but nowadays teaches at UPenn in Philadelphia.
The story in his bio (above) is pretty interesting. If you ever have an
opportunity to hear him speak, don't pass it up.
The lecture tonight was at Rutgers University, entitled "The African
American Influence on Pop Culture."
His presentation was engaging, inspiring, and funny. He even worked in a
bit of rap and singing as part of his discussion. Coolest academic event
I've been to in a while!
Lisa