Charles Gordone, the first Black playwright to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, was known for embracing racial unity. As a Texas A&M University English professor, he uplifted each voice in his classroom until his passing in 1995.
“He believed it was important to embrace all of who you are as an individual, but he also understood that it’s important to our society that we embrace each other,” said Denica Gordon-Mandel, Gordone’s granddaughter.
Gordone played a crucial role in promoting equality efforts in Aggieland. To celebrate his legacy, Gordon-Mandel created the Charles Gordone Foundation Excellence Writers Award for American Voices to fund scholarships for students from underserved groups.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to help individuals of color and those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds get the recognition they deserve,” she said. “Learning more about my grandfather’s impact at Texas A&M has been inspiring, and I hope to carry on his memory and his passion for helping everyone find their voice.”
