Famous Historian Howard Zinn Dies

Labor rallies, civil rights marches, and a world war were only a few of the many interesting events in the life of one of America’s most famous historians, Howard Zinn, who passed away on Wednesday, January 27 2010 of an apparent heart attack while swimming. His most popular book, “A People’s History of the United States,” has sold nearly two million copies, won numerous awards, and been translated into multiple languages.

According to Zinn’s obituary in the New York Times on January 27 2010 by Howard Powell, the historian was born on August 24, 1922 in New York City. At first reading authors like Charles Dickens, he soon began exploring the ideas of Karl Marx and participating in labor rallies. During World War II, Zinn joined the Army Air Corps and became a B-17 bombardier, and his experience in the conflict turned him into a devoted anti-war activist.

After the war, Zinn graduated from New York University and Columbia University and obtained a teaching position in the history department of Spelman College. While a member of the faculty, he became involved in the civil rights movement and was subsequently fired. He then worked at Boston University from 1964 to 1988, dismissing his last class early to take part in a picket line.

Zinn’s historical writings, such as “A People’s History of the United States,” focused on the struggles and ambitions of America’s lower- and middle-classes and radical movements such as feminism, socialism, and civil rights in the U.S.

“[Zinn] is often considered unpatriotic for his dissent,” said East Teacher Jon Flaa. “But I think that he is a great patriot for criticizing our government and trying to improve it.”

“With the passing of Howard Zinn, the world lost one of the most seminal and unique American historians,” said East alumnus Brock Erdahl. “Zinn not only wrote about peace and justice, but actively championed them through his tireless activism for those individuals and groups traditionally marginalized by the powers that be. This is not only the hallmark of a great American, but a wonderful human being. R.I.P. Professor Zinn.”

Tags: duluth east, greyhound news