George Dawson: Educated at 98, Published at 102

At times the unique journey of a single individual can give us a glimpse into something more universal. George Dawson's life is one of these. He was born the grandson of a former slave in Marshall Texas in the year 1898. He wrote a book, entitled Life is So Good at the astonishing age of 102. But what is perhaps even more astonishing is that he wrote the book only shortly after learning to read.

The life of George Dawson is a microcosmic testament to the hardships and achievements of blacks over the last hundred years. His experiences range from the end of the 19^th century to the start of the 21^st. From the early Jim Crow era to the first African American secretary of state.

It began in a log cabin in a small town in East Texas. By the time he was just four years old he was working. At first it was on his father's farm where he hand-combed the cotton, cared for the animals, and did work in the fields. By the time he was 12, he was working on a neighbor's farm. For the next 86 years, he worked: Laying railroad ties, building levies, cleaning, chopping wood, working cotton fields, and running pasteurizing machines. During this time, he buried four wives, as well as two of his seven children. And because of the ever-present need to work, he never had the opportunity to go to school. And without an education, his work was hard and relentless.

In his book, Mr Dawson relates seeing an automobile for the first time - A Model T. Technology continued to progress, from cars, to airplanes, to space shuttles. Computers changed the world. For many educated people, modern conveniences increased leisure time. And yet quietly in the background manual laborers like Mr. Dawson continued to do the jobs that have always been necessary but are so seldom appreciated. Jobs which do not allow for leisure time and which are not conducive to beginning an education at the first grade level.

At the age of 98 he was still unable to read and write. He didn't know the alphabet and was unable to even sign his name. He was invited to join an adult literacy program, which he enthusiastically accepted and finally, after a lifetime of labor, he learned to read. Four years later, he wrote his autobiography: Life is So Good.

In addition to the publication of his book, Mr. Dawson appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show. The Carroll Independent School District in Southlake Texas named a middle school after him after his death. An automobile accident on July 5^th, 2001 in Dallas Texas took his life.

Throughout the history of the United States, African Americans have had to sidetrack dreams in favor of survival because of the particular burdens that have been placed upon them. Mr. Dawson's life is a perfect illustration of this fact. Sometimes these dreams are things that the rest of us would consider basic necessities. His perseverance and optimism are inspiring, but it is important to remember that he is only one example of so many who have faced the unique trials of black Americans.

Works Cited

Anonymous, "Three centuries of life, George Dawson!" African American Registry. URL: (http://www.aaregistry.com/african_american_history/1243/Three_centuries_of_life_George_Dawson)

Anonymous, "About George Dawson." Dallas County Community College. URL:
(http://www.dcccd.edu/people/readin/campaign/dawson.html)