Charles A. Taylor

Dr. Taylor says he started off writing poems and was lucky enough to have a poem, “Let the wind push me” published in a middle-school book project many years ago. “I still remember the first verse: ‘Let the wind push me-I don’t care, I just want to go sailing somewhere; Over the mountains, through the trees, across the valley, pushed by a gentle breeze...’ “People seemed to like the poem so that inspired me to write more,” he says. “I’ve always enjoyed writing but didn’t get serious about it until I became an adult.”

Most of his writing is non-fiction and is intended for college audiences. He writes a lot of How-to non-fiction books and those books allow college professionals who work in student services to perform their jobs better or create cultural experiences for students on college campuses. Although his novel is a bit of a departure-it still takes place on a college setting.

Chuck was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and is one of twelve children. He grew up in poverty but later became the first in his family to earn a college degree. Looking back he believes his childhood taught him compassion and empathy for others. He’s lived in four states: Missouri, Arizona, Oregon, and has made Madison, Wisconsin home for the past 40 years. Dr. Taylor received his PhD from UW-Madison; his Master’s from the University of Oregon and his Bachelor’s degree from Southeast MO State University.

He recently retired as an education professor but remains active writing and as a national consultant on diversity issues. Over the years Dr. Taylor has proven himself to be an innovator, accomplished author, sought-after speaker and community servant of the highest order. Although he has been an educator for most of his career, writing is his true passion. He writes for multiple media genres including books, magazines, films, and theater.

BOOKS

Dr. Taylor is the author of over a dozen books with his most recent book (9/19)- a biography called: The-Carmen-Porco-Story-Journey-Toward-Justice about a remarkable Italian man who has devoted his life to helping people get out of poverty.

His Juneteenth book published by Open Hand Publishing., was Winner of the 2003 Skipping Stones Honor Award; Finalist for the 2003 Benjamin Franklin Award, and Finalist for the 2003 Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Award. His Juneteenth book is given to governors of every state that makes Juneteenth a state holiday or state observance. 46 states have done so thus far and there is a national movement to make Juneteenth a national holiday in the U.S. similar to Flag Day.

FOUNDER-MULTICULTURAL PUBLISHERS EXCHANGE

In the 1990s Chuck founded MPE-Multicultural Publishers Exchange to help small publishers market and sell their books. MPE was a national consortium of over 250 independent publishers specializing in multicultural books. MPE offered its members a monthly newsletter, an annual conference and at that time the most widely distributed multicultural book catalogue in the country. After the Rodney King “outburst,” MPE spearheaded a book drive for the LA public schools that was so successful, that the late Mayor Tom Bradley declared a “Multicultural Publishers Exchange Day.”

TV, FILM & THEATER

During his career, Chuck has been a documentary filmmaker and local TV host. Here is his YouTube channel for Clips of TV shows he, wrote, and produced in Madison, WI back in the 80s: https://bit.ly/2KGmRiN

From 2010-2017 he wrote and produced the Journey of Hope Film Series about a successful housing ministry that lifts people out of poverty: http://porcoconsulting.com/journey-of-hope

Decade of Discontent—this award winning documentary by Dr. Taylor takes a riveting look at Milwaukee’s civil rights movement. The Milwaukee Journal said “The documentary does a first-rate job of telling the story of the black discontent that characterized the period”-1960-1970.

ROARrrr – A highly acclaimed children’s play that Dr. Taylor wrote and produced brings children of all ages together in a “Kids Day of Unity.” It tells the story of Maureen – a village girl who brings the divided worlds of man and beast together by helping the beast king learn an important lesson. He is currently working to turn the play into a full-length animated film.

Above all – Dr. Taylor is a kind-hearted professional with a passion for writing and diversity work that exceeds all else. But we know the secret to what really motivates him-what instantly puts a wide smile on his face; his pride and joy! His grandson Kemet and goddaughter Maureen. Dr. Taylor says although these two are adults now they still mean the world to him. One is black, one is white, one is urban, one is rural, one is a boy, and the other a girl-he says they both are our future!

He lives with his wife Camilla. His only child Charlie lives in California with his family. Here’s how you can reach him:

Dr. “Chuck” Charles Taylor

P.O. Box 259869

Madison, WI 53725

E-mail: ct@roartheplay.com

P.S. When you buy Dr. Taylor’s books, you’re supporting the great work he continues to do to help people.