Date / Time
- January 7, 2020
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Author and professor Kathryn “Kitsi” Watterson will discuss how Baldwin’s words give shape to her experiences in witnessing the persistent efforts of white America to not only deny the existence, humanity and brilliance of black Americans, but to actively try to destroy their lives. From her first sight of segregated water fountains in Mississippi in 1964, Watterson has explored the racist myths that she, as a young white girl growing up in Kansas, had been taught about Black “inferiority.” Since tutoring in a segregated school in Florida, working as a newspaper reporter in Philadelphia under the brutal grip of police commissioner and mayor Frank Rizzo, running a creative writing workshop at Holmesburg Prison, investigating the state and national prison systems, as well as the white supremacy movement, Watterson has also witnessed the inner spirit and ingenuity of a people who have worked for the past three and a half centuries to bring down the barriers and assumptions erected to bar their progress. Watterson continues to be enthused by Baldwin’s clarity and vision.
About Lunchtime Talks at The Rosenbach
New! Enjoy In Conversation Programs at midday with leading scholars, artists, and authors talking about their work. Tea sandwiches and light refreshments included.
Seating is limited; advance registration is strongly recommended.
Sponsor
Lunchtime Talks at The Rosenbach are sponsored by Lenore Steiner and Perry Lerner.
Date / Time
- January 7, 2020
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm