Academy of Distinguished Teachers at UT Arlington

The Academy of Distinguished Teachers at UT Arlington The University of Texas at Arlington The Academy of Distinguished Teachers at UT Arlington The Academy of Distinguished Teachers at UT Arlington

Dr. Kenneth Roemer

Dr. Kenneth Roemer
Dr. Roemer with his book

Dr. Kenneth Roemer shows off a book he authored as well as books in his library that influenced him to write his book Native American writers of the United States. (Photo by Billy Smith II.)

English Professor Kenneth Roemer recalls with a smile his first meeting with an American Indian. The man was a 92-year-old Lakota Indian, who was supposed to be babysitting him. "Little Moose fell asleep and slept the entire time," Roemer said.

Roemer grew up on Long Island. His paternal grandfather once met an American Indian family in Buffalo. "He did something that was quite Texan," Roemer said. "He told them, 'If you're ever in Long Island, come and visit.' " So they did. They stayed for six months.

Such experiences spawned an interest that culminated in the recent publication of Roemer's book Native American Writers of the United States, which details facets of American Indian literature. "There were (American Indian) poets and essay writers writing over a hundred years ago," he said. "In the early 19th century was the first Native American newspaper. From the mid-19th century, there has been poetry and fiction written by American Indians." He edited the book and contributed a 10,000-word introduction. It took more than three years to produce. "I received a $1,000 flat fee," he said. "I made a penny or two an hour. This is often looked at as a service project. It's an insane project to undertake."

The book is used in universities and research libraries worldwide. "Some of these essays are the longest ever written on these individuals," he said. "There are discussions of works that have never been discussed before." Native American literature study is a relatively new field, coming to the forefront in many American universities in the early 1970s. "I have to continue reminding myself the majority of students and professors know nothing about it," Roemer said.

"This university has been very supportive of me teaching (Native American literature). It probably helped that the (English department) chair was Emory Estes, who is a quarter Cherokee." Dr. Estes said he is proud of his heritage. He appreciated Roemer developing the curriculum. "I felt that Native Americans, although there are only 2.5 million left in the United States, have made so many contributions through society, culture and literature," Estes said. "He certainly took it and established a great program." Roemer stressed that American Indian writers continue to write today, and they write about contemporary issues. "There is the assumption that it's about Indians," he said. "There are notions that have to do with sovereignty — to what degree can or should a tribe have home rule. That's becoming more of an issue because of gambling and casinos. There's a set of issues and concerns about language that defines the literature."

Books written or edited by Dr. Roemer:

Approaches to Teaching The Obsolete Necessity The Dictionary of Literary Biography

Syllabi