Menu
Scott is a leader in the field of urban experiential education with more than thirty years experience, both as an administrator and educator. Extensive experience developing seminars and workshops for undergraduates and professionals interested in urban cultures and institutions.
Primarily responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships with more than thirty undergraduate institutions that utilize Chicago Center for pre-professional internships and academic seminars. Frequent guest lecturer on partnering college campuses.
Presented numerous professional papers and workshops on community based learning and first voice pedagogy. Member of the Association of American Colleges and Universities, Midwest Sociological Society and Lumity Roundtable for Executive Directors in Chicago.
by Ken Kemp – Posted: April 28, 2020
Ken interviews his long time friend, a classmate from Bible School in Chicago - the late 1960s. Scott tells the story of a shocking discovery - this Ph.D. sociologist learns that his ancestors were slave-owners. His journey takes him to South Carolina, where, in a small country town, he meets Roscoe Cheeseboro, the grandson of an enslaved woman, age 90. They become fast friends
In the podcast, Ken shares reflections on another classmate: Melvin Warren. Memories of those years in Chicago launched the Beached White Male on a quest of his own: to find Melvin Warren.
CORRECTION: Ken mentions that Norene Chesebro is a Registered Nurse. That is incorrect. She is a Licensed Social Worker and has been the director of Department Director at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Ken and Scott reminisce over their years studying in Chicago in the late 60s. Ken shares more about his classmate, Melvin Warren.
After 28 years, Scott became Academic Director, a responsibility he maintains today.
click for a larger image
Scott’s discovery of the Cheeseboro family prompted a fascinating quest into his own family history and that of 90-year-old Roscoe.
It opened the door to 16 years of friendship with this patriarch of a large extended family from South Carolina. Their ancestral family stories merged in a haunting way – but over the years became a powerful, mutual friendship.
They remained close friends all the way up until Roscoe’s passing in 2018 at the age of 105 years. Scott attended the Memorial Service at Providence AME Church in St. Matthews.
Scott adds one more detail:
“I failed to relate a very moving story from Roscoe’s memorial. At the memorial the minister asked for those who were a part of Roscoe’s family to stand. I remained seated although I was conflicted. His daughter, Florence, an usher got my attention and motioned me to stand. It was an overwhelming moment for me.”
Providence AME Church, St. Matthews, SC
click for a larger image
In both Podcasts, including the BONUS, Ken shares a very personal story about his friendship with Melvin Warren – one of the only African American students in his class. Mel grew up on the South Side of Chicago. Ken reads portions from his unpublished memoir, The Beached White Male.
Mel made a public protest about his years at MBI – it made the national news. Ken shares his quest to find Melvin and to compare stories, journeys since those formative years in the heart of the Windy City.
The news of Melvin’s decision to tear up his diploma appeared in several national magazines, including JET, March 19, 1970 – still available online.
NOTE: Ken is still searching to find friends or family members who have information about Melvin. He’s tried to locate the sisters, too. Fine musicians. But we have yet to connect. If you can help, CONTACT KEN
