Kwame Alexander Talks Race, Love and Hope at the Civil Rights Memorial Center
MONTGOMERY, Ala. 鈥 On Friday, March 17, at 5:30 p.m., the Civil Rights Memorial Center (CRMC), a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center (人兽性交), will host , author of 鈥An American Story.鈥 Joining the author in conversation is Tafeni English-Relf, director of the Alabama State Office and the CRMC.
Slavery can be a challenging topic to teach and even harder to help children of all races to understand. Using art and poetry, 鈥An American Story鈥 tells our shared history fully and truthfully.
鈥淎s book bans attempt to erase Black culture, it is more imperative than ever that we find ways to elevate writings and images that tell not only Black truths, but American truths. 鈥An American Story鈥 achieves this beautifully,鈥 says English-Relf. 鈥淭he illustrations and artistry help narrate the story, offering an honest look at our shared experiences. 鈥An American Story鈥 is also a powerful teaching tool for educators and parents who may struggle to find ways to reinterpret one of the darkest chapters in U.S. history.鈥
Alexander has published 38 books, including three New York Times bestsellers. In 2021, the author partnered with the CRMC to release a national community-led poem titled 鈥A Civil Community鈥 after the guilty verdict of a former Minneapolis police officer charged with killing George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man. Now displayed in the CRMC鈥檚 final gallery, the poem features select lines from nearly 1,000 writings contributed by students, teachers, parents and children nationwide.
WHAT:听听听听听听听听听听The Civil Rights Memorial Center will host a book signing by Kwame Alexander, author of 鈥淎n American Story鈥
WHEN:听听听听听听听听听听 Friday, March 17, at 5:30 p.m. CDT
WHERE:听听听听听听听听Civil Rights Memorial Center, 400 Washington Ave. in downtown Montgomery
Please email kimberly.allen@splcenter.org with any questions.
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