In honor of Black History Month, Bill Drake will present “Almost Hereditary: The Roots of Racism in My Southern Family,” a rich presentation with stories, readings, poems, and slides. The readings will be from the diary of Bill’s great-great-grandmother whose sons fought in the Civil War and whose family owned slave plantations in Mississippi. Bill will share how racism was passed down his family lineage. Like his mother before him, he grew up in what was called the “Jim Crow era,” a time of extreme segregation in the South. As a child he was taught to believe in white supremacy, a concept he rejected after two pivotal experiences during his late teenage years. He is the co-founder of Creating Communities Beyond Bias, which offers workshops for students related to unlearning prejudice. Revised copies of his book Almost Hereditary: A White Southerner’s Journey Out of Racism, A Guide for Unlearning and Healing Prejudice will be available for sale and signing. The event is a benefit for NCSCC.
The Anytime Band will be performing musical interludes during the event. This group of long-time music buddies who are happy to provide musical support for community events “anytime” they are asked. Regulars include Janie Kesselman, Nory Fussell, Lorraine Reich, Jeffrey Gottesman, Ann Johnson, Susan Schrieber, Rita de Quercus, Bob Polucha and Clif and Carolyn Mackinley.
A review of Bill Drake’s book:
“A compelling and provocative account of one man’s courageous journey from a deep-seated and inherited prejudice to a giving, open heart. It should serve as an inspiration to all of us, not just to think the right thing, but to put our thoughts into action and make this world a better place. A true pleasure to read. ”
—Steve Sanfield, author, Civil Rights activist and one of the first Freedom Riders
Reading 7:30 PM
Doors 7:00 PM
$12 member/advance, $15 door (all proceeds to benefit NCSCC)
Tickets available at BriarPatch and Mother Truckers
