Archie Givens, Sr. (1919-1974) was, in the eyes of his family and his community, "a trailblazer, a mentor, a visionary, an entrepreneur" who inspired many others to follow his pursuit of excellence. As a successful businessman, he established two major enterprises in Minneapolis, Minnesota, The Willows Convalescent Centers, a nursing home company, and Rainbow Development Company, a real estate company. Though not a recipient of formal higher education, he strongly supported higher education and provided scholarship opportunities to minority students majoring in health or business.
Mr. Given's legacy is continued by Patrons of the Archie Givens Sr. Collection of African American Literature as well as by his family: his wife, Phebe, and two children, Roxanne Givens, and Archie Givens, Jr.
Archie Givens, Jr. is President of the Givens Foundation for African American Literature and is well-respected nationally for his commitment to literature and life-long learning. He is editor of Spirited Minds: African American Books for Our Sons and Our Brothers, and its companion volume, Strong Souls Singing: African American Books for Our Daughters and Our Sisters. He currently serves on the boards of the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, Coffee House Press, the Minnesota Humanities Commission, Western Bank, and The Guthrie Theater.
© 2000-2005 The Givens Foundation
