Legendary Disney Career Journeys: Overcoming Obstacles and Bridging Social Divides

Overcoming obstacles and bridging social divides are common tales in the American professional experience, and such career journeys are no different for many Walt Disney Company greats. Join us this winter and spring as we explore two books that chart the professional and personal treks of three Disney Legends.

Before Robert and Richard Sherman, sons of a Russian Jewish immigrant, gained Legend status for writing “Feed the Birds,” Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” and other beloved songs from Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins, Richard (Dick) had work arranging artificial flowers, and Robert (Bob) saved money by living in a child’s playhouse with a dirt floor and no plumbing. Learn more about these incredible career journeys as we read and meet to discuss Todd James Pierce’s new (2025) book, Making Mary Poppins: The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the Creation of a Classic Film. 

We’ll next read Martha Blanding’s memoir, Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman’s Journey through The Happiest Place on Earth. Martha grew up in South Central Los Angeles, was Disneyland’s first Black tour guide, and would rise through the ranks of Disney Parks to oversee multimillion dollar Parks merchandise events, eventually becoming the first Black woman to work for the Walt Disney Company for fifty years.

Michael Bowling Presentation: Thursday, April 9, 2026

Todd Pierce Presentation: Thursday, April 23, 2026