Exclusive: Marcie’s Interview with Dr. Margaret Burroughs

 

Dr. Margaret Burroughs is a historical icon that has been seen on TV and read about in history books.  I don’t have to tell you what an honor it was to interview this 91-year old artist, educator, and historian who still lives a very active life.  Although we discussed quite a bit during our hour long interview, I am only going to share the simple, yet powerful words of wisdom from Dr. Burroughs on AS NOT SEEN ON TV.

 

1.      The most important thing in life is to do things you enjoy.

2.      Everyone has a gift of creativity; you have to bring it out.

3.      You have to keep busy if you want to stay alive.

4.      Advice to young people: LEARN LEARN LEARN and READ READ READ.

5.      Don’t give up hope.  Identify your goals in life and move toward them.  Don’t let anyone discourage you.

 

I would be remiss if some of her accomplishments were not listed:

·        Co-founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History – the 1^st African American museum in the United States and in Chicago;

·        Co-founder of the Southside Community Arts Center in Chicago;

·        The recipient of many honorary degrees including an honorary doctorate degree from the Art Institute of Chicago, her alma mater;

·        The “grandmother” of the Park Board in Chicago. Appointed by the late Harold Washington, she is the longest serving member on the board;

·        She currently teaches art classes at Statesville Prison from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every Tuesday.  She teaches creative writing and poetry in the morning and art and painting in the afternoon;

·        AND she roller skates!!!!  You read correctly.  Dr. Burroughs gets her roll on!  She says that she still has to learn how to go backward!  Most of my friends would not dare get on wheels, and look at this 91-year-old woman actually skating!  Look at her flexibility.  I’m jealous.

Check out the clip below.  Now, this is something that has NEVER been seen on TV!

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W98VO7nG7mw