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Early Life and Education

Thomas Dent was born on March 20, 1932, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Albert W. Dent, president of Dillard University, and Ernestine Jessie Covington Dent, a concert pianist. He was the oldest of three sons. Although his mother and father were prominent societal members, they were not the only members of his family who were influential in the African American community. His grandfather, Dr. Jesse Covington, worked extensively in the Negro Business League to promote the economic venues and advancements for African Americans. He also did work in the medical field and helped build the first medical center for African Americans in Houston, the Riverside General Hospital. His grandmother, Belle Covington, is recognized for her efforts to prompt interracial relations. Furthermore, she was instrumental in the creation of the Blue Triangle YWCA. Through this organization, Belle was able to develop social programs to support the African American community as well as advocate against white mob violence. On top of these achievements, she also advocated heavily for Dent’s education and schooling. Dent’s upbringing in this prominent African American family allowed for him to be educated at both private and public schools. Ultimately, he graduated from a Black college preparatory school in New Orleans, Gilbert Academy, in 1947.

Collegiate Career

After graduating from Gilbert Academy in 1947, Dent decided not to attend Dillard University where his father was president, and instead chose to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta. He made this decision to attend Morehouse as a way to venture out on his own and become a better writer. Coming from such a prominent family, Dent was socially reflective and aware of the situations around him. His choice to attend Morehouse was his efforts at cultivating his strengths to benefit his future work in the Civil Rights Movement.

Thomas Covington Dent
Born	March 20, 1932 New Orleans, Louisiana
Died	June 6, 1998
Education	Morehouse College (BA, Political Science) Syracuse College (Graduate Studies in Political Science) Goddard University (MFA)
Known for	Works in the Civil Rights Movement as well as literary works
Parents	Albert W. Dent (father) Ernestine Jessie Covington (mother)