[PJ-Comix]

Dr. Bledsoe sort of reminded me of a cross between Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. The school that the narrator attended was definitely based on Tuskeegee Institute which is verified by the fact that Ellison did attend that school. I wonder if he based Dr. Bledsoe on some Tuskeegee Institute official. As to The Founder, I am sure this character was based on Booker T. Washington although Ellison did mention them separately at one point in the same paragraph. Oh, and the Brotherhood is definitely the Communist Party U.S.A. since Ellison has stated that he was in the Party although he didn't officially hold a CPUSA card.

It wouldn't surprise me if Brother Jack was based directly on a comrade that Ellison knew in the CPUSA.

[SamAdams76]

Dr. Bledsoe sort of reminded me of a cross between Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.

Only difference is, Dr. Bledsoe had an actual job and probably did real work. For some reason, I thought of D.C. mayor Marion Barry. I don't know much about Barry (other then his drug bust) but he seems like a flawed man who manages to hold on to power no matter what.

[codercpc]

Hi sorry I didn't get to the discussion yesterday, I was gone all day.

I agree about Dr. Bledsoe, he reminded me of Jesse Jackass also. He portrays himself as a savior and a beacon of blacks (see what I have achieved), but as soon as it looks like he will be penalized by his rich white benefactors, he throws the blacks away. Its all about his power and money, not about championing his race and trying to better them.

Raz the Destroyer was Malcom X or, any other Black Muslim, of today.

Although I agree it was alittle dry in parts and difficult to get through in parts, I looked forward to reading it every night.

Thanks for putting this book club together.