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Clarence Oliver LaGrone

Born: 12/09/1906   McAlester
Died: 10/01/1995
Parents: William L. and Lula E. LaGrone
Spouse: Irmah Cooke
Children: Lotus Johnson
Address(es):
last known address Detroit, MI , MI

Writings

Image Title Genre Audience Publisher Date
Dawnfire and Other Poems
- Illustrated with photographs of sculptures by the author 		Poetry Adult Detroit, MI : Lotus Press 1989
The Study of Literature (high school text)
- In various anthologies 		Non Fiction Adult Boston, MA : Ginn & Company 1978
Negro Poetry 1764-1970
- His work has appeared in this work edited by the late Langston Hughes and Arna Bontemps 		Poetry Adult Garden City, NY: Doubleday 1970
They Speak of Dawns; A Duo-Poem Written for the Centennial Year of the Emancipation Proclamation: 1863 Poetry Adult self-published 1963
Beyond the Blues Poetry Adult London, England : Hand and Flower Press 1962
Footfalls Non Fiction Adult Detroit, MI : Darel Press 1949
- Articles have appeared in Bulletin Negro History and others Poetry
What is the aim or goal of your writing: 2nd ed. says, "Oliver La Grone was the first Negro American to be enrolled at Cranbrook Art Academy, where he studied sculpture under Carl Milles. He has held one man sculpture shows in Michigan and New Mexico. Mr. La Grone also studied art and special education at Wayne State University. He conducts private classes in sculpture for adults and children. He lectures and reads poetry, "his own and the Negros." Mr. La Grone's poetry and sculpture reflect his early years of struggle and variety of hard, physically taxing jobs, as well as the discipline of study.

May inquiries be sent to you about doing workshops, readings: No

Donated books to the Authors & Illustrators database project: No

Skills:
Author
Illustrator
Poet

Education:

Degree Institution Location Date
Northern Christian High School

Career:

Position Organization Location Date
Board Director Oliver LaGrone Scholarship Fund 1974 -1985
Special Assistant Pennsylvania State University University Park 1970 -1974
Teacher Detroit Public Schools Detroit , MI 1956 -1957
International Representative
- During the McCarthy era, Oliver was asked by the Detroit Loyalty Committee to act as an informant and provide “communist” information on his contacts in the art world, particularly Paul Robeson. LaGrone refused, lost his UAW job as a result and had to sell pots and pans door to door. 		United Auto Workers Detroit , MI 1948 -1953
Self-employed
- Sculpture in bronze, marble, stone, wood, cast stone, numerous one-man shows. Sculpting, lectures and exhibits and has made many television appearances, keynote speeches. Was judge in numerous art and poetry festivals.
- Appointed to many committees Harrisburg Human Relations Commission
Artist-in-Residence
- Hershey Foundation, Boas Center for Learning 		Harrisburg School District
Artist-in-Residence to 21 branches Pennsylvania State University

Other Resources:

MeLCat Links:
http://elibrary.mel.org/search~S15/?searchtype=X&searcharg=lagrone%2C+oliver&searchscope=15&sortdropdown=-&SORT=DZ&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=Xlagrone%2C+olver

Last Modified On: 9/23/2013 12:00:00 AM