An Evening with Christine A. Platt: Exploring the Black experience through her work as historian, activist, and author

The Caroline County Public Library, in partnership with Caroline County Council of Arts, is pleased to host its first virtual author event, featuring author Christine A. Platt (aka The Afrominimalist) for a discussion and Q&A on October 13, 2020 at 6:00pm. This event will be held in lieu of the annual Literary Evening dinner theater, and for the first time will feature a black author.

Ms. Platt is a historian, activist, and author. Her books, The Truth About Awiti, a novel merging historical and spiritual explorations of the ongoing effects of slavery and racism, and Dear Ancestors, a collection of poetry, focus on the transatlantic slave trade and the African diaspora. She has also written a series of children’s books, the Ana & Andrew series, which teaches young readers about African-American history and culture.

Ms. Platt’s current work as the Managing Director of the Antiracist Research & Policy Center at American University underscores her understanding of the importance of learning the history of African- American culture, and using reading to spark discussion and understanding. Participants for this program are invited to read The Truth About Awiti and Dear Ancestors prior to the event as part of a community read. Copies of these titles are available at all Caroline County Public Library locations.

This program is presented by Caroline County Public Library and the Caroline County Council of Arts, and sponsored by National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) of Caroline County and Shore United Bank. Registration is required. Please register at carolib.org; attendees will receive a Zoom invitation at least 24 hours prior to the program.

In conjunction with this event, the Caroline County Council of Arts will offer two virtual collage-making classes, led by instructor Yolanda Acree, on October 20 and 22, 2020 at 6:00pm, for both adults and youth age 14 and over. Participants will create a piece of visual poetry, using collage techniques, that bridges their ancestors, themselves as a living ancestor, and their future descendants. Participants will share and discuss dreams and visions of the past with those of the present and future, as well as how the artwork they have created relates to the themes presented in Christine Platt’s books Dear Ancestors and The Truth About Awiti. To register for the virtual collage classes, please visit carolinearts.org.

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~ Caroline County Public Library