Ralph Cheo Thurmon is a writer, performer, folklorist and educator. He is an active lecturer who has appeared at Indiana University, the University of Illinois, North Carolina State University, Duke University and other institutions of learning throughout the United States. Born on the south side of Chicago, Mr. Thurmon has tied his experiences as a native son of the north into a richly varied career. He is a member of the Indiana, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin arts councils. In 1993, he received the title of poet laureate of Gary, Indiana.