“Raymond’s Run” Toni Cade Bambara

Born Miltona Mirkin Cade in 1939 in Harlem NY-Died in 1995 in Philadelphia, PA While living on 151st Street between Broadway and Amsterdam, Miltona changed her name to "Toni" around kindergarten. Influences Bambara credits the Harlem community as having a significant influence on her writing. Bambara credits her mother with providing an environment that nurtured creativity. From an early age, Bambara was encouraged to daydream and explore her imagination. The author calls her mother “a sturdy bridge that I have crossed over on.” Bambara was heavily influenced by the African-American community of which she was a part. She felt her duty—as a writer, social activist, and teacher—was to tell the truth about what she felt were social injustices. Career Bambara had a variety of careers. She worked as a social investigator for the New York Sate Department of Welfare from 1959 to She then held the position of Director of Recreation in the psychiatry department at Metropolitan Hospital in New York City. As an author and activist, Bambara lectured and conducted readings across the country. She used her art to send powerful messages about the welfare of African Americans, especially African-American women. Georgia Connection Toni Cade Bambara moved to Atlanta in 1974 and became a visiting professor at Emory University, a teacher at Atlanta University and writer-in-residence at Spelman College. While in the city, she co- founded the Southern Collective of African American Writers and was an outspoken activist on behalf of the struggle for civil rights and of equality for women.

Harlem NY Squeaky’s neighborhood is a part of New York City called Harlem, in northern Manhattan. Although it is thought of as a primarily African-American residential district, in fact it is home to people of many different backgrounds. The 1970s and 1980s were difficult decades for Harlem, as it was plagued by many social problems such as poverty and unemployment. Although efforts have been made to revive property and improve safety in this part of the city, the people of Harlem today still suffer considerable unemployment and substandard housing.

Cultural Connection May Day---Although Squeaky is eager to run in the May Day races, she wants no part of her community’s May Pole dance. Ancient Greeks and Romans celebrated the return of spring on this day, a rite that was also part of medieval European traditions and included dancing around a decorated pole, crowing a May queen and king, and gathering flowers. May Day is still celebrated in many countries with a variety of festivities.

Insight into “Raymond’s Run” This is a story about motivation, respect, and identity. Squeaky is the fastest runner in her class and she cares for her “not quite right” brother, Raymond, whom she protects with fierce loyalty. During the annual May Day races, she learns valuable lessons about herself, about Gretchen, her competitor, and about Raymond and his need for respect and pride.