|
|
|
TONIGHT!
Shaka Senghor
Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death, And Redemption In An American Prison
7:00 p.m.
First Baptist Church Decatur
|
In 1991, Shaka Senghor was sent to prison for second-degree murder. Today, he is a lecturer at universities, a leading voice on criminal justice reform, and an inspiration to thousands.
In life, it's not how you start that matters. It's how you finish.
S
haka Senghor was raised in a middle class neighborhood on Detroit's east side during the height of the 1980s crack epidemic. An honor roll student and a natural leader, he dreamed of becoming a doctor-but at age 11, his parents' marriage began to unravel, and the beatings from his mother worsened, sending him on a downward spiral that saw him run away from home, turn to drug dealing to survive, and end up in prison for murder at the age of 19, fuming with anger and despair.
W
riting My Wrongs is the story of what came next. During his nineteen-year incarceration, seven of which were spent in solitary confinement, Senghor discovered literature, meditation, self-examination, and the kindness of others-tools he used to confront the demons of his past, forgive the people who hurt him, and begin atoning for the wrongs he had committed. Upon his release at age thirty-eight, Senghor became an activist and mentor to young men and women facing circumstances like his. His work in the community and the courage to share his story led him to fellowships at the MIT Media Lab and the Kellogg Foundation and invitations to speak at events like TED and the Aspen Ideas Festival.
In equal turns,
Writing My Wrongs
is a page-turning portrait of life in the shadow of poverty, violence, and fear; an unforgettable story of redemption, reminding us that our worst deeds don't define us; and a compelling witness to our country's need for rethinking its approach to crime, prison, and the men and women sent there.
T
his program will be held at First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave, Decatur GA 30030. You can find a map here.
Books will be provided by our friends at Charis Books and More.
|
|
March 14, 2016
Atlanta Women's
Poetry Collective
7:15 p.m.
Decatur Library Auditorium
|
We are pleased to host the inaugural reading of the recently formed Atlanta Women's Poetry Collective. Featuring some of Atlanta's most celebrated female poets,
Karen Paul Holmes
Lynn Pedersen
Alice L Teeter
Christine Swint
Amy Pence
Elizabeth Cranford Garcia
Trish Thomas
Sandy Watson Walz Hokanson
Andi Rogers
Erica Gerald Mason
Maggie Blake Bailey
|
|
March 15, 2016
Dolores Fish and David Beasley
My Parents' "
Life In Red"
7:15 p.m.
Decatur Library Auditorium
|
In February,
David Beasley delivered a lecture for us about his book "A Life In Red..." the story of Herbert and Jane Newton. We are pleased and delighted to welcome their daughter, Dolores Fish, to deliver a follow-up lecture to filling in the gaps about her parents' lives, and to expand on what it was like growing up in an activist household. She also will give some insights about what it was like when Richard Wright lived with her family, penning "Native Son" while he shared their home. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and discuss this amazing piece of Atlanta History with a woman who was an eyewitness to it.
|
|
March 16, 2016
Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
Here's Hank: You Can't Drink a Meatball Through a Straw
7:00 p.m.
Decatur Library Auditorium
|
Hank is nothing like his cousin Judith Ann. When she comes to stay with the Zipzer family while taking part in a junior chef competition, she gives off an air of perfection. She's an excellent cook, and doesn't let Hank forget it, either. But when Hank enters the competition, too, he finds out that he and Judith Ann have more in common than he thinks-and it's not cooking!
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING RULES FOR THE SIGNING
Mr. Winkler will only sign copies of Here's Hank and Hank Zipzer books. He will not sign any memorabilia.
Due to the anticipated crowd size, the number of books to be signed by Mr. Winkler and Ms. Oliver may be limited to a few per customer. Henry and Lin will sign both hardbacks and paperbacks.
T
his event is brought to you in partnership with our friends at Little Shop of Stories. Books will be available for purchase at the event.
|
|
| |
|
