From “Taking Chances: A Memoir of a Life in Art and Writing”

Abstract

Part 4 includes the memoir “Taking Chances: A Memoir of a Life in Art and Writing.” In it, Major explores his family, his childhood and upbringing, his early experience with art, and his life in Chicago. He introduces us to his mother, father, and sister, as well as friends, literary figures, and others who he knew or influenced him. He also details a trip to Omaha, Nebraska where he experienced segregation, and then his move to Manhattan in 1966. The reader also learns about the trips Major took as a research analyst for the Simulmatics Corporation, where he analyzed how people responded to news coverage of racial violence. Major also discusses his early career, success as a writer, and his academic jobs.