Alma Jean Parr was the former wife of Thomas Sowell, an eminent American author, economist, political commentator, and Hoover Institution senior fellow at Stanford University. In this article, we delve into their relationship, marriage, and subsequent divorce, shedding light on their individual lives and achievements.

How Did Thomas Sowell and Alma Jean Parr Meet?

The circumstances surrounding Thomas Sowell and Alma Jean Parr’s initial meeting remain shrouded in mystery. Sowell has not publicly disclosed any significant details about their introduction or courtship.

  • Marriage and Divorce: The couple tied the knot in 1964, exchanging vows in a beautiful ceremony attended by their loved ones. Unfortunately, their union did not stand the test of time, and after eleven years, they decided to part ways. The exact reasons for their divorce and any subsequent settlements have not been publicly disclosed. Alma Jean Parr was Thomas Sowell’s first wife, and they did not have any children together.
  • Life After Divorce: Following their separation, Alma Jean Parr retreated from the public eye, opting for a quieter life away from the limelight. On the other hand, Thomas Sowell remarried in 1981 to Mary Ash and has two children, named John and Lorraine.

Thomas Sowell: Alma Jean Parr’s Ex-Husband

Thomas Sowell

Thomas Sowell: Alma Jean Parr’s Ex-Husband

Thomas Sowell’s life story is one of remarkable perseverance and intellectual prowess. Born into poverty in North Carolina, he grew up in Harlem, New York. Due to financial hardships and challenging family circumstances, Sowell dropped out of Stuyvesant High School and enlisted in the Marine Corps during the Korean War.

  • Academic Journey: Upon returning to the United States, Sowell enrolled in night classes at Howard University. Later, he pursued higher education at Harvard University, earning a magna cum laude degree in 1958. Subsequently, in 1959, he obtained a master’s degree in economics from Columbia University. In 1968, he accomplished his doctorate in economics from the University of Chicago.
  • Contributions and Perspectives: Thomas Sowell’s intellectual contributions extend far and wide. He has authored over 45 books and is a syndicated columnist whose writings have appeared in over 150 newspapers. Sowell challenges the notion of systemic racism, dismissing it as an untested and questionable hypothesis propagated as propaganda. He argues that the term lacks a clear and testable definition, akin to words employed by Joseph Goebbels for propaganda purposes.
  • Recognition and Acclaim: Sowell’s work has garnered praise from classical liberals, libertarians, and conservatives across diverse disciplines. Scholars and economists such as Steven Plaut, Steve H. Hanke, and James M. Buchanan commend Sowell for his originality, meticulous research, breadth of knowledge, and clarity of expression. In fact, Steve Forbes lamented in a 2015 column that it is a travesty Sowell has not been awarded the Nobel Prize, stating that no living author has produced as many insightful and well-researched books as him.

Alma Jean Parr’s ex-husband, Thomas Sowell, remains an influential figure in academia and public discourse. His life journey, marked by perseverance and intellectual rigor, has contributed significantly to the fields of economics and social commentary. As of 2022, Thomas Sowell is 92 years old, leaving behind a lasting legacy of profound insights and scholarly accomplishments.

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