Maria Mootry Papers

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Maria K. Mootry, a prolific poet, literature professor, artist, and activist, was born in Nashville, Tennessee on January 3, 1944 to parents Primus James Mootry Sr. and Helen Rushing. Maria was the eldest of her five siblings: Primus Jr., Constance Yokley, Beverly, and Janice. She had two children: Aisha Mootry (July 17, 1978) and Jonathan Ikeriowu (August 8, 1981).

Maria Mootry thrived in her academic studies. She graduated from Farragut High School in Chicago at the age of sixteen. Mootry received her Bachelor’s Degree from Roosevelt University. In 1967, she enrolled at the University of Wisconsin where she completed a Master’s Degree in English in only one year. She taught at Kennedy-King Junior College while she completing her Ph. D in English from Northwestern University. During her career in academia, Dr. Mootry taught English and African American Studies at Northwestern University, Southern Illinois University, Grinnell College, and the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Mootry is known for her critical studies and reviews of Gwendolyn Brooks’ poetry. In 1987, A Life Distilled: Gwendolyn Brooks, Her Poetry and Fiction was released. Mootry was listed as an author for two chapters and editor for the whole book. She also presented at various events in Illinois that honored Gwendolyn Brooks.

In addition to her academic career, she was also involved with the creation of her own poetry, which was published in many books and journals. From an early age, Mootry was encouraged by her mother to explore and be involved with the arts. She began writing poems, and created paintings and drawings. Mootry took pride in her African American heritage and this was reflected in her works. She associated herself with poets of the Black Arts Movement. Her book of poems, Looking for Langston, was published 1996 and was republished in 1998. In 1997, her poetry appeared in All the Women were Heroes along with many other poetry compilation works.

Throughout her academic career Maria Mootry focused on the advocacy of African American and women’s rights. The publications of Brain Games, Racialized Bioethics, and The Human Genome Project: Racial Implications examine the issues of race and gender that affect the African American community as a whole. Mootry’s academic work advocates for a deeper understanding on how larger social issues affect the black community and women’s rights. Mootry’s passion for black and women’s rights is also conveyed in her poetry, paintings, and drawings.

Maria Mootry passed away on May 29, 2000 at the age of 56.

SOURCE

• Maria Mootry Papers, Box 1, Folders 4 and 14 Chicago Public Library, Woodson Regional Library, Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature.

SCOPE AND CONTENT

The Maria Mootry Papers contain documents mostly pertaining to her academic career. This collection is organized into 6 series: Biography, Manuscripts, Correspondence, Programs, Research Files, Photographs and Memorabilia. Each section of this collection was organized in chronological order to show the progression of Mootry’s work. Moreover, the organizational scheme shows the overlap of her work and the multifaceted complexity of her work as a scholar, artist, and critic.

Series 1: Biography, 1985-2001

This series contains biographical information about Maria Mootry. The documents included in this section are biographical sketches that were published in various works, Maria Mootry’s resume/CV, funeral programs, and tribute event information that mention Mootry’s biography. The documents in this series are arranged in chronological order.

Series 2: Manuscripts, circa 1951-2000, undated

The manuscripts have been arranged chronologically and consist of works written, drafts, event notes and speeches by Maria Mootry. The majority of works found in this series are published works. However, several draft or edited copies of her work can also be found in this series.

Series 3: Correspondence, 1995-2001, undated

The correspondence series in this collection focuses on Maria Mootry’s professional career as a published academic. The majority of the items are letters sent and received regarding the publication of articles and books. Several other letters are internal letters to and from Mootry regarding her time as a professor at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Series 4: Programs, 1994-2000, undated

This series is separated into two sub-series: Programs and National Summit on Africa.

Sub-Series 1: Programs

The first sub-series contains program flyers, event brochures, and handouts. Many of these events list Maria Mootry as a guest or honoree. The flyers are organized in chronological order.

Sub-series 2: National Summit on Africa

The second sub-series contains information on the National Summit on Africa, which is a program that assists African Americans who seek to discuss and publicize pressing social, political, and economic needs in Africa. The objective of the organization is to find beneficial ways that the United States can help African nations. Maria Mootry was a active member of this organization.

Series 5: Research Files, 1996-2000, undated

This series contains research or publications conducted by others, which used or referenced Maria Mootry’s work. The publications found in this section are organized in chronological order by the date of publication, if known.

Series 6: Memorabilia and Photographs, 2000, undated

This series contains memorabilia and photographs that were donated with the collection. These include a medal and photographs.

RELATED MATERIALS

Related collections at the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection include the

• BJ Bolden Papers
• Charles J. Evans Papers
• Useni Perkins Papers, opens a new window
• Alice Browning Papers

CONTAINER LIST

Series 1: Biography

Series 2: Manuscripts

Series 3: Correspondence

Series 4: Programs

Sub-Series 1: Programs

Series 4: Programs

Sub-Series 2: National Summit on Africa

Series 5: Research Files

Series 6: Memorabilia and Photographs