International African American Museum will host Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, national award-winning author, at historic African American high school
Charleston, S.C. – The International African American Museum is hosting an author talk with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, renowned scholar and author, at Burke High School on Thursday, January 25, at 6:30 p.m.
With Burke’s historic roots as a school for African Americans in the late nineteenth century and its role in fostering student activism during the civil rights movement, it serves as a powerful setting for a conversation on preserving and sharing history that can help educate, shape, and nurture younger generations. The talk will focus on Kendi’s newest work, Barracoon: Adapted for Young Readers, while also delving into themes of race, culture, and shared history.
Kendi will introduce young readers to the true-life story of Cudjo Lewis, one of the last survivors of the Atlantic human trade, in an adaptation of the internationally bestselling and critically acclaimed Barracoon. Delivered with care in an age-appropriate historical context, Kendi transforms Zora Neal Hurston’s original work into a compelling story for young readers and emerging scholars to explore.
The author talk is part of the Between the Lines: Conversations with Award-Winning Authors series, sponsored by TD Bank, which features one-on-one conversations with renowned authors.
Notable book reviews sum up the book…
“It is [an] important historic document that provides an intimate look at slavery in America…Belongs in every library.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Kendi allows Hurston’s storytelling mastery to shine through for younger readers… a powerful enslavement narrative from a literary icon, deftly retold for a younger audience.” — Kirkus Reviews
Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for youth. Purchase of an adult ticket includes a signed copy of Barracoon: Adapted for Young Readers. Tickets may be purchased here. Burke High School is located at 244 President Street, Charleston, S.C. 29403.
The International African American Museum (IAAM) explores the history, culture, and impact of the African American journey on Charleston, the nation, and the world, shining light and sharing stories of the diverse journeys, origin, and achievements of descendants of the African Diaspora. Across eleven galleries and a memorial garden with art, objects, artifacts, and multi-media interaction, IAAM is a champion of authentic, empathetic storytelling of American history. As a result, the museum will stand as one of the nation’s newest platforms for the disruption of institutionalized racism as it evolves today. The mission of IAAM is to honor the untold stories of the African American journey at the historically sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf and beyond. For more information, please visit iaamuseum.org.
