1. Eminent literary scholar Dr. Clyde Taylor’s passing at 92
2. Film scholar Dr. Clyde Taylor’s legacy in the literary world.
Activist Scholar Clyde Taylor Passes Away at 92
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Clyde Taylor, an influential figure in the activist scholar community. Taylor, known for his strong voice in the Black liberation movement, took his final breath on January 24 at the age of 92. He passed away in Los Angeles, with the cause of death attributed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to his daughter Rahdi Taylor.
Born on July 3, 1931, in Boston, Clyde Russell Taylor was the youngest of eight children. His father, Frank Taylor, was a member of the legendary Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, while his mother, E. Alice Tyson, was an entrepreneur actively involved with the NAACP’s Boston chapter.
Taylor’s early years remain somewhat of a mystery, but we do know that he graduated from English High School and later attended Howard University. At Howard, he obtained his B.A. degree in 1953 and his master’s degree in the same subject six years later. During his time at Howard, Taylor crossed paths with notable Black literary and political activists such as Toni Morrison and Amiri Baraka.
After completing his studies at Howard, Taylor joined the Air Force as an intelligence officer and served as a first lieutenant. He received an honorable discharge and a National Defense Service Medal. Taylor went on to earn his doctorate at Wayne State University in Detroit, where he focused his dissertation on the works of William Blake and the ideology of art. In 1960, he married JoAnn Spencer, and they had two daughters before divorcing in 1970.
In 1972, Taylor relocated to San Francisco and married Martella Wilson. Together, they founded the African Film Society. However, their marriage eventually ended, and Taylor moved to New York City, where he began teaching at New York University.
Throughout his life, Taylor played a crucial role in the Black studies movement, particularly at UCLA, where he contributed significantly to the advancement of revolutionary cinema. He presented and commented on groundbreaking films that showcased the cross-fertilizations of an embryonic transnational Third World cinema movement. Some notable films he highlighted include Bob Van Lierop’s “O Povo Organizado” in Mozambique, Sara Maldoror’s “Sambizanga” about Angola, Haile Gerima’s “Bush Mama” set in Los Angeles, Pontecorvo’s “The Battle of Algiers,” and various Latin American and African films created by Cubans and Europeans.
Taylor’s deep knowledge and passion for cinema led him to publish a book in 1988 titled “The Mask of Art: Breaking the Aesthetic Contract––Film and Literature.” His extensive study of cinema allowed him to provide critical insights into the medium’s relation to society, particularly from the perspective of the exploited.
Even in his final years, Taylor continued to analyze and express his passionate commitment to the world of cinema, offering thought-provoking perspectives on the differences between Africa and Hollywood. He believed that Africa stood at the opposite end of the spectrum from Hollywood, serving as a laboratory for studying film’s relation to society from the viewpoint of the exploited.
Clyde Taylor leaves behind a remarkable legacy as an activist scholar and advocate for the Black liberation movement. His contributions to the study of cinema and his unwavering commitment to social justice will continue to inspire future generations.
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– Eminent literary and film scholar Dr. Clyde Taylor dies at 92
– Eminent literary and film scholar Dr. Clyde Taylor’s passing at 92.
