Sad news from the Chi today.One of my heroes is gone.
Studs Terkel died yesterday at the ripe old age of 96. You know anyone who went 40+ years with the title "free spirit" on their business card is someone I'd be drawn to...but the Trib's remembrance title was right on target, "He Gave Voice to the Voiceless."
He will be remembered as a genius not so much for his own writing---but for what he was able to get others to say. Voices you'd never hear otherwise, recorded for the ages.
That said, his joy in life came out in everything he did, no matter how grim the topic. One of my favorite quotes attributed to him sums up his world view and gives a glimpse at how this brilliant man lived his rich life:
"With optimism, you look upon the sunny side of things. People say, 'Studs, you're an optimist.' I never said I was an optimist. I have hope because what's the alternative to hope? Despair? If you have despair, you might as well put your head in the oven."
How could you not love this guy?
Despite the passing of time, his work still rings true today. Division Street: America still informs my understanding of this city. I think of Working often as I am commuting downtown.
On the verge of a hopefully historic day for Chicago, we have lost much this week.
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