A door had been opened and Oliver embarked on a new career, first going to the Memphis Arts Council, where he taught at community and school writing programs. Later, he became Director of Sales and Marketing at the historic black-owned Third World Press in Chicago and program director for a citywide after school reading program.
What Oliver has learned, he said, is “kids do well when I put them in environments or a classroom setting that mirrors their culture—with books written by African American authors and stories that reflect their experiences. They embrace writing and reading more.
“I say, ‘Here is someone with a background like you—and now they are great writers and owners of publishing companies. When I put the kids in those cultural incubators, they respond much better. They read books with names like Jamal and Keisha, names they know from their community.
“Visiting writers use rap, haiku and prose around social justice issues like violence, crime and health, all of which helps the youth embrace the reading and writing.”
He has noted writers visit his programs. Visitors have included Dr. Bernard Harris, the first black astronaut to walk in space, who wrote a book called “Dream Walker” and Sharon Draper, who co-authored “We Beat The Streets”, the youth version of an adult book about three boys from a tough neighborhood who made a pact to become doctors—and did.
Writers who teach at colleges engage the students with college level exercises, he said.
“They treat my kids as if they are brilliant,” said Oliver.
For the past three years, he has partnered with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Center for Diversity Affairs as it tries to attract the next generation of health professions.
“During their research they found out students had to do well in math, science and writing,” Oliver said. “I said to them, ‘Let me develop a writing program.’”