Media Advisory: St. Louis Walk of Fame induction ceremony for Gerald Early today

WHO: Washington University’s Gerald L. Early, PhD, a noted essayist and American culture critic, and Joe Edwards, founder of the St. Louis Walk of Fame
and owner of numerous Loop businesses, including Blueberry Hill and the
Moonrise Hotel

WHAT:
A ceremony marking Early’s induction into the St. Louis Walk of Fame

WHERE: In front of the Moonrise Hotel, 6177 Delmar Blvd.

WHEN: 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 11

WHY: Gerald L. Early, the Merle Kling Professor of Modern Letters at Washington University in St. Louis, will join other WUSTL literary luminaries on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

A native of Philadelphia, Early has been on the WUSTL faculty since 1982.

He is a professor of English, of African and African-American
studies, and of American culture studies, all in Arts & Sciences. He
recently stepped down as director of Arts & Sciences’ Center for
the Humanities after more than 11 years in that position.

A prolific writer, Early is author and editor of more than a dozen books and winner of prestigious literary prizes.

“It’s amazing to me the number of literary greats on the walk who have connections to Washington University, from such faculty members as William Gass, Howard Nemerov and Stanley Elkin to alumni A. E. Hotchner and Tennessee Williams,” said Edwards. “Gerald Early is most deserving of his place alongside these acclaimed writers.”

NOTE: Early’s star, which will be at the ceremony, will be embedded at a later time near the corner of Delmar and Eastgate Avenue after construction is completed on the first phase of Washington University’s Loop Student Living Initiative.

The St. Louis Walk of Fame consists of more than 130 sets of brass stars and bronze plaques honoring individuals from the St. Louis area who made major national contributions to America’s cultural heritage.

For more on Early and the induction ceremony, visit here.