Norris, Hoke

Reporter, book reviewer, novelist, and public affairs director.

Hoke Marion Norris was born on October 8, 1913 in Holly Springs, North Carolina. Norris left North Carolina in 1955 to work as a reporter (1955-1958), and literary editor (1958-1968), at the Chicago Sun-Times. During the 1960's he played a significant role in reporting the events surrounding Civil Rights movement in the South. After leaving the Sun-Times, Norris served on the editorial board of the Chicago Daily News from 1968-1970, and taught creative writing at the University of Chicago. In 1971, Norris became the Director of Public Information at the Chicago Public Library, where he worked until 1974. He then served as the Assistant Vice-President for Public Affairs and Director of the Office of Public Information at the University of Chicago until 1976. In addition to his contributions to newspapers, Norris edited and wrote short stories, magazine articles, and novels. Norris died on July 8, 1977 at the age of 63.

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