Sidney M.(clarty) Willhelm (b. Oct. 4, 1934- )
Among the foremost authorities on race relations Dr. Willhelm has authored several books on race and many online articles containing provocative and original analysis of current events oftentimes in an historical context.
Professor Willhelm's book "Who Needs the Negro?" was printed in 1970. Other books authored by Willhelm include, "Urban Zoning and Land-Use Theory" (1962); "Black and White in America (1983);" and "America's Economic Elite: A critical review of Andrew Hacker's Two Nations" (1994). Willhelm also wrote an article titled, "Black Man, Red Man and White America: The Constitutional Approach to Genocide"(Catalyst,Spring 1969 No.4 pp. 1-62)and composed the online essay, "Understanding the New Imperial Empire:Will America's Past Become America's Future?" (2002).
Professor Willhelm was born in Galveston, Texas on Oct.5, 1934. He was the son of Ernest Virgil (an accountant) and Edythe (Harbour) Willhelm. He earned a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Texas in 1957. He went on to earn a Ph.D from the same institution in 1961.
For many years he was a professor of sociology at at the State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo,New York.
Dr. Willhelm was an Assistant Professor of sociology at San Francisco State University College, San Francisco, CA (1960-1962). He was an Assistant Professor at SUNY Buffalo from 1962-1965; in 1965 he became an Associate Professor; and retired at the rank of Professor in 1990. Willhelm was a visiting associate Professor of sociology at McGill University in 1970 and during the summer of 1971 he served as Visiting Professor at the University of British Columbia.
In 1963 Dr. Willhelm introduced a course, "Automation and Society," which, to the best of his knowledge, was the first course ever taught on the impact of the new technology upon human society. It examined many of the social transformations which the computer would bring forth, a recurrent theme which is presented in many of his writings.
Dr. Willhelm's impassioned and sometimes disturbing analysis of what he often refers to as "B&W" relations often placed him at odds with those in the mainstream who instead of embracing his brilliant writings, instead shunned him. His writings will eventually be recognized for their greatness. The tragedy being, had the "powers that be" taken him seriously over the many years of his dedicated hard work, we would not be in the situation we are in today. Much of what Dr. Willhelm predicted has sadly come to pass and until people of his ilk are recognized and respected, we will see a continuation of grievances and injustices in America.