Name Thomas Dent | Role Poet | |
Died June 6, 1998, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Books Southern journey, Blue Lights and River Songs: Poems Education Syracuse University, Morehouse College | ||
Thomas Covington Dent (March 20, 1932 – June 6, 1998) was an African-American poet and writer.
Early life and education
Thomas Dent was born on March 20, 1932, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Albert W. Dent, president of Dillard University, and Ernestine Jessie Covington Dent, a concert pianist. He was the oldest of three sons. Thomas graduated from Gilbert Academy in 1947. He continued his education at Morehouse College receiving a bachelor's degree in political science in 1952. Thomas furthered his education at Syracuse University eventually receiving his doctorate in international studies in 1956.
Dent was a member of the U.S. Army for two years, 1957-59.
His published works included the book of poetry, Magnolia Street.
He was a passionate groomer of other Black writers and worked hard to sustain the Free Southern Theater writing workshop and Congo Square Writers' Union in his hometown of New Orleans and the Umbra Workshop on the Lower East Side in New York City.