By Jeff Rice, senior lecturer in the Political Science Department and the Department of African Studies
One thing Morris and I had in common is that we both aligned with the Program of African Studies during the era of Gwendolyn Carter. Morris joined the Linguistic Department when it was very much an adjunct of the program; Morris taught Swahili and Hausa (both of which he spoke fluently). In fact, Morris must have spoken closer to a dozen languages with varying degrees of competence, which made his knowledge of non-United States countries most intimidating and equally engaging (as long as you had a high tolerance for trivia). Morris was more than an academic and world traveler. Born to a well-off and very philanthropic family, Morris was dedicated to Amnesty International and could be seen annually marching in the Evanston July 4th parade. He was a supporter of the National Mexican American Museum in Pilsen as well as the Old Town School of Folk Music and of course, our own Program of African Studies. Of late he created a charity to extend his ability to donate to worthy causes.
Morris was also a dedicated member of the salon at 911 Foster Street, also known as Great Expectations Bookstore and it was there that I first met him. Status was level, opinions were tossed around like balloons at a graduation. Like the rest of the participants, Morris was front and center with knowledge, opinions, and a readiness to do battle. Like the rest, Morris gave as good as he got and friendships were built, not ended. Morris’ arrival was always greeted like Norm was in Cheers: “Hi Morris, sit down.”
One story I can tell concerned my long-term argument with Morris about the Middle East. His family legacy was Zionist, he frequently travelled to Israel and spoke Hebrew. Morris hated Netanyahu in a way that was so palpable, I. truly believe Bibi caused him pain on a very tangible basis. Having hot chocolate with Morris within the last month, his mind was super sharp, his opinions in place, his likes and dislikes intact and his hatred of Netanyahu was present. When he informed me of his age and his medical condition, I was flabbergasted. Morris Goodman retains a vital memory in the annals of PAS and Evanston/Chicago. I can truly say: idiosyncratic, opinionated, generous and above all, a mensch.
This article originally ran in the PAS Newsletter, Spring/Winter 2025, Volume 35, Number 2.