Synopsis
When schools first integrated in the 1950s, Geoffrey Newman became one of the few Black children in an all-white school. His teachers told him he was destined for failure, for no reason other than the color of his skin. Geoffrey Newman proved them all wrong.
Better to Cry Now chronicles Geoffrey’s road to success in arts education, from discovering his artistic talent while also succeeding academically, to pioneering a theater program for an up-and-coming college, to becoming chair of the drama department for Howard University, to ultimately serving as dean for the entire arts program at Montclair State University, nurturing many stars along the way. In sharing his story, Geoffrey also shares the challenges of persevering despite racial prejudice and coming out to the world as a gay man in a loving, committed relationship.
With this insightful memoir, Geoffrey shows us the grit and grace needed to forge our path, define our own success, and stay true to who we are.
Author Bio
Geoffrey Newman, PhD, is dean emeritus of the College of the Arts at Montclair State University in New Jersey. He was the first holder of the Owen Duston Distinguished Professorship from Wabash College in 1987 and received the prestigious Amoco Award for Theatrical Excellence from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in 1979. He helped establish the Department of Theater at Wabash College in 1970 and served on the faculty of the drama department from 1975 to 1986, during which time he was appointed chairman of drama (1982–1986). He then served as the founding dean of the College of Arts at Montclair State University from 1988 to 2011. He now resides in Palm Springs, California, with Ed, his husband and soulmate of forty-seven years.
