Larry is presently working with students from Sonnesyn Elementary School in New Hope, Minnesota to honor the life stories of Beni Persaud, Samuel Wagner Cooke, and Michael Favor in narrative and song through a program called, Elders’ Wisdom, Children’s Song. The lyrics to their songs will be illustrated by students and published, as part of the Men of Color Series through Community Celebration of Place. (www.communitycelebration.org)
About the honored elders:
Samuel Wagner Cooke: Born in the Republic of Liberia, West Africa. Graduated with a Secondary Education Degree. Principal of Public High School. Fled during the Civil War and settled in Minnesota, where he received a Master Degree and works in the Robbinsdale School District.
Michael Favor: Born in Athens, Georgia during the Civil Rights Movement. Family moved to Minneapolis when he was a child. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971. Graduated with a degree in Sociology, Social Work, and Coaching. Principal at Minneapolis North and Cooper High Schools. Presently, Assistant Superintendent of the Robbinsdale School District.
Beni Persaud: Born in Guyana, South America. Worked as a child on the sugar plantations with his mother following his father’s death when he was seven. After joining the British Army he moved to Minnesota. Married and raised their four children in north Minneapolis.