{"status":"ok","elements":"
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\r\n 0 Response<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Blood Ancestors<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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B.Michael’s mother, Sheila Louise Sorden. Born 31 January 1934, died 07 August 2000. B.Michael’s maternal grandfather, Alfred McKinley Sorden. Handwriting on back belongs to daughter Sheila, B.Michael’s mother. In March 1981, Alfred wrote daughter Sheila and asked after her and her three surviving sisters (Alfred’s daughters), Kathleen (aka Kitty), Anita and Gloria. He also asked about Sheila’s husband (B.Michael’s father, who is also named Bertram) as well as three of Sheila’s four children (Alfred’s grandchildren) \u2014 B.Michael, then aged 22, his older brother Stephen and younger brother David. Smryna, DelawareMarch 22, 1981 Dear Sheila, Will you please send me Kathleen… Continue reading Blood Ancestors<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Certificate of Baptism<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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\r\n Commendation Cards<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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B.Michael throwing down in first grade . . . In fifth grade . . . And in seventh grade!<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n 0 Response<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Bertram Hunter, 4th Grader<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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A priceless cache of B.Michael’s earliest known work! Memorabilia from kindergarten to third grade which hibernated in his mom’s storage boxes, which he inherited when she died. B.Michael was attending P.S. 146 in Manhattan at this time. One assignment, dated April 5th (see page 34), would have been done the day after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis. Coincidentally, B.Michael wrote a poem, Bridgetown, in which he references MLK’s murder. Check out page 2 for a highlighted commentary on the 45th POTUS and a call to action for the 2020 presidential election! Though undated, the worksheet below… Continue reading Bertram Hunter, 4th Grader<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Mike, the 11-year old Swimmer<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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\r\n Gotta be in it to win it!<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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B.Michael’s family bought an occasional New York State lottery ticket. He kept a bundle of unsuccessful stubs, spanning 1972-75, which coincides with his high school years.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Margaret Knox Junior High School (JHS 99)<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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Check out reference to 14 y.o. B.Michael as “Assistant Mayor Bertram Hunter”, and his participation in the General Organization (G.O.), and on the Track and Soccer teams.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n National Scholarship Service and Fund for Negro Students<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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This is a list of potential colleges generated presumably while B.Michael was still at Brooklyn Technical High School. If anyone is familiar with how the NSSFNS worked back then, please leave a comment!<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n 0 Response<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Brooklyn Technical High School Commencement<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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In 1976, B.Michael is among the 93rd class of graduates from Brooklyn Tech. See page 5 below.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Alpha Phi Alpha, Theta Epsilon Chapter<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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B.Michael pledged Alpha Phi Alpha as a first-year student at Adelphi University.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n 0 Response<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n PENNSYLVANIA BALLET<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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Imagining that 19-year old B.Michael was inspired by seeing this troupe and also wondered where were all the dancers of color on stage.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n MISS TRUTH<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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B.Michael was 20 years old and still attending Adelphi University when he took in this show. Imagining that Loretta Devine, among others, would have made an impression.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Letter of Recommendation<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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B.Michael valued strengthening community in whatever context he found himself. As an undergraduate at Adelphi, he pursued a myriad of ways to support his fellow students, which included applying to be an on-campus Resident Assistant (RA) for his Junior year. He sought a written reference from Kathleen Harrison, aka his beloved Aunt Kitty. Please describe the nature and length of your relationship with the applicant. I have known Bertram all his life. There is a close intimate friendship between his family and mine. He has always evidenced courtesy, intelligence and interest and has contributed greatly to all social gatherings by… Continue reading Letter of Recommendation<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n \"\"<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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\r\n Elected into Student Government<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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On a slate that included President, Vice-President, Secretary, Arts & Sciences Representative, and Business Representative, B.Michael, a Sophomore, ran unopposed for Treasurer of Adelphi’s Student Political Association (S.P.A.)! Below are samples of meeting minutes from his 1978-79 Junior year, together with some communications regarding the business of the S.P.A.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Undergraduate Yearbook Sightings<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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B.Michael pictured here in Adelphi University’s Oracle with the Black Student Union (BSU) and referenced with the Student Political Association.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Letter *from* the Editor<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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As a Junior at Adelphi University, B.Michael sent a piece to the Delphian, his college newspaper. Though it hasn’t yet been located, it critiques the publication’s prioritization, or lack thereof, of issues related to students of color. In her response, the editor at the time seems to take a defensive posture, assuring Bert and others that: “. . . there is no conscious effort on our part to ignore minority events. Yet I’m sure you would agree that with as many problems as [Adelphi] has (tuition, dorms etc.), everything on campus cannot be covered.” She also uses her missive to… Continue reading Letter *from* the Editor<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n GIL SCOTT-HERON & ANGELA BOFILL<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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Seeing these legends on the same bill at Carnegie Hall surely rocked B.Michael’s 20-year old world. B.Michael was fond of saving things; he also kept the ticket stubs in their original envelope. We’re curious who accompanied B.Michael to this performance. If it was you, please contact us here\u2014we’d love to hear what you remember!<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n College Recognitions<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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\r\n African-American Studies + Union of Black Collegians = Senior Luncheon<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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This event, only the second in as many years, was most likely a highlight of Bert’s school year. He is listed on page 4 among the planning committee. Many of his running buddies were involved on stage and\/or behind the scenes playing leadership roles in the Black Community, both on and off campus, and in the Adelphi University student body in general \u2014 Sam Aymer, Karen Fraction, Lorna Johnson, Bruce Jones, Jeff Lee and Pam Tyson. By its fourth year (and Bert’s graduation year), the *Third World* Senior Luncheon was co-sponsored by La Union Latina, highlighting solidarity between Black and… Continue reading African-American Studies + Union of Black Collegians = Senior Luncheon<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Undergraduate Yearbook Sightings<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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B.Michael pictured here with the Student Political Association, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and helping out during Commencement.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n SPHINX \u2014 Distinguished Collegians<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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B.Michael featured on page 32 of the national magazine of his college’s fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha. B.Michael’s competitive application.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Writing Fragment<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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Wonderment. You, out of a star. … Continue reading Writing Fragment<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n 1 Response<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Tanzania (Almost)<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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Bert was set to visit Tanzania on a study-abroad experience via Operation Crossroads. But due to “political complications” in that country, he was reassigned to Kenya. Always flexible, Bert pivoted and embraced the change in plans. His final paper on his Kenyan experience can be found here. The reassignment occurred some time between May 16th and June 20th, as indicated by the faded red postmarks on these envelopes from Operation Crossroads. Here is a fact sheet Bert would have received from Operation Crossroads to help orient him to his destination country.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Notary Public + Note from Mommy<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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While still in college, B.Michael became a notary, most likely as a result of a summer job or internship. His mom Sheila took a message (see page 2) in a 20th century, non-electronic way. She alludes to B.Michael’s jet lag: he was returning from a summer program in Kenya.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n “Your African Spirit”<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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Whenever B.Michael traveled, he would drop himself a line, which he received when he got home. At the conclusion of his first trip to Africa, where he spent six weeks in Kenya through Operation Crossroads, he sent himself the following postcard.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Kenya<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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Early in 1980, while still a student at Adelphi University, Bert applied to volunteer with Operation Crossroads Africa, a US-based, non-governmental agency that, “sponsors cross-cultural exchanges and small-scale service projects in Africa.” His first time out of the U.S. and the personal significance as as a Black American to travel to Africa specifically, as well as an opportunity to earn academic credit for an independent study, the trip would serve multiple purposes. It would be a life-altering sojourn that expanded his vision of the world and his place in it. He wrote about his experience here, which also foreshadows his… Continue reading Kenya<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n African-American Studies<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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As an undergraduate at Adelphi University, B.Michael availed himself of some of these courses and connected with the program’s faculty.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Alpha Phi Alpha Scholarship<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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Brother Hunter represents! Here are Adelphi University’s Dean of Student Affairs and Director of African American Studies weighing in. “When Jane Fonda appeared on campus to lecture on energy conservation, Bert took the opportunity to engage her in meaningful dialogue . . . [Bert] is concerned beyond his dedication to Black causes with the well-being of his country. He realizes that he is an American citizen not just a Black citizen.”<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Mike Sleeping<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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B.Michael’s mom, Sheila, embraced the arts. She and husband, Bert, B.Michael’s father, had a radio program where he sang and she recited poetry. Here she tries her hand at illustration. In January 1981, B.Michael would have been home in Spanish Harlem, catching up on sleep before returning for his final undergraduate semester at Adelphi University.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Who’s Who? B.Michael’s Who!<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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The official word . . . B.Michael’s notes for his application, making his case (see page 2), despite his GPA!<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n United Negro College Fund<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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This donation to the United Negro College Fund may have been B.Michael’s earliest charitable contribution.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n The road not taken<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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Though Bert ended up attending law school at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, he had at least one other option in Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n College Recognitions<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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Flambeau was Men’s Senior Honorary Society at Adelphi University. According to the recognition, Flambeau’s main purposes and ideals are to “foster and stimulate high standards of character, scholarship, fellowship, and consecration to democratic ideals in the several phases of campus life: academic, social, religious, athletic, speech, dramatic and plastic arts” and to “encourage mutual understanding and co-operation between faculty and student body.” It’s unclear whether Bert received this in 1980, at the end of his fourth year, or in 1981, when he ultimately graduated.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Undergraduate Yearbook Sightings<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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B.Michael entered Adelphi University, located in Garden City, New York, in the fall of 1976, and graduated in the spring of 1981. During these five years, he was involved in a range of activities, some of which are captured in the above pages of Oracle, Adelphi’s yearbook. (Go Panthers!) For example, he was instrumental in bringing African American cultural movers and shakers of the day like Ossie David and Ruby Dee. Check out Bert at the podium looking fly as he introduces Ossie and Ruby. He also made the national roster of Who’s Who! Great and good friends from Adelphi… Continue reading Undergraduate Yearbook Sightings<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Adelphi University ~ Graduation<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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B.Michael appears on page 3 in the Commencement program below.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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This page was found in B.Michael’s Human Resources materials, though it’s not clear exactly when he took this self-assessment. It was probably during the 1980s, either during law school or his time at IBM. INFP seems to fit! If you knew B.Michael, would you agree? Whether you knew him or not, what’s your MBTI?<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Haruko Kuroiwa Brown \u2014 Japanese American Redress<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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As a teacher at City-As-School High School, B.Michael often invited guest speakers, writers and artists. During one such class, in order to make come alive U.S. History \u2014 specifically World War II and the treatment of Japanese Americans \u2014 he asked Haruko, a septuagenarian, to read the four-page testimony she had prepared for Congress’ Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians below and engage his inner-city students of all colors around her experience with institutionalized racism. A mic drop, he might say today. He recounts these unforgettable visits at Haruko’s Celebration of Life. Coincidentally, at the time that Haruko… Continue reading Haruko Kuroiwa Brown \u2014 Japanese American Redress<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Welcome to Law School!<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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At age 23, B.Michael began his 19th continuous year of formal education, and the first among his extended family to pursue a post-undergraduate degree. From his official acceptance in March through to the beginning of classes in September, B.Michael was engaged in a robust process of orientation. See packet below with communiques from administrators, professors, fellow students, affinity organizations et al. One key component of his onboarding was a “First Year Survival Package” which came from the National Black American Law Students Association, now NBLSA, which was just 13 years old when he began at Northeastern. He would come to… Continue reading Welcome to Law School!<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n Law School Miscellaneous<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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And so it begins: B.Michael’s classes during his very first quarter. First page of notes from three of B.Michael’s courses: Corporations (Summer 1983), Immigration Law and Administrative Law (Fall 1983). This additional page from his Corporations class contains a doodle! So very rare in any of B.Michael’s law school notebooks. Curious what he may have been wanting to “remember” in that moment, and to what “a little piece of life” refers. Perhaps a commentary on there being more to life than Ford Motor Company, or Corporations, or law school?<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>

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\r\n 0 Response<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n Writing Assignments & Exams from Law School<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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Here are some of B.Michael’s “deliverables” as a law student, in chronological order. N.B. Except for the first paper, on which he states his name, the others are submitted under his assigned number, which presumably changed each quarter. He is #258 in the winter of 1982-3; #387 during the summer of 1983, and #331 during the fall of 1983.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>","max_pages":5}