Pulitzer-Prize winning author Isabel Wilkerson will kick off the communitywide reading initiative “One Book, One Tulsa” by discussing her book “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration.”
Wilkerson will be in Tulsa to speak May 27, 6:30 p.m. at the University of Tulsa’s Lorton Performance Center, 550 S. Gary Pl. Her visit is in partnership with the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation’s Annual Symposium.
“The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration” is a fascinating history told through the voices of three African-Americans who were part of the Great Migration. From 1915-1970 nearly six-million African-Americans left the South to seek better opportunities in the North and West.
“Wilkerson uses lyrical language to relate the compelling stories of these three migrants in their own voices, creating an intimate history that comes alive on the page,” said Cindy Hulsey, Tulsa City-County Library’s adult services coordinator. “In addition to presenting individual stories, Wilkerson offers research based on observations, explanations and interpretations of the sociological and historical impact of The Great Migration in America.”
Wilkerson’s visit also starts Tulsa City-County Library’s adult summer reading program, “Migrations.” Ages 18 and older can read or listen to four books to complete the program and earn coupons for free treats from community sponsors. Plus, those completing the program earn a chance to win a Kindle eBook reader.
Tulsa City-County Library has scheduled these educational and entertaining programs and exhibits to enhance the One Book, One Tulsa experience. Enjoy these free programs throughout the summer:
- Exhibit: Tulsa – A New Home, June 1-July 31, Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 E. 93rd St. This exhibit celebrates early Jewish immigrants to Tulsa and their impact on the broader community. An online exhibit complements and extends our physical exhibit and presents a more in-depth look at some of the library’s collections. Visit http://guides.tulsalibrary.org/jewishimmigrants to view the online exhibit. Sponsored by the Tulsa Library Trust and the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art.
- Open Book Discussion Group, June 2, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Broken Arrow Library, 300 W. Broadway. Join a discussion of “The Twelve Tribes of Hattie” by Ayana Mathis. Copies of the book are available at the library for check out.
- Personal Migrations, June 1-Aug. 1, Martin Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnett Road. Stop in the library, sign up for the adult summer reading program and mark a spot on the world map to illustrate your family’s migration.
- Music Sandwiched In, 12:10-12:50 p.m., Oklahoma Methodist Manor, Fleming Center, 4134 E. 31st St. Enjoy music from around the world during these four, free performances:
- June 8, Cairde na Gael
- June 22, Something Steel
- July 6, Susan Herndon
- July 20, Bratkovich Music
- Movie Night at Philbrook, June 18, 7:30 p.m., Philbrook Museum, 2727 S. Rockford Ave. TCCL teams with Philbrook Museum for an evening of entertainment and great cinema on the lawn to watch “Big Night,” the story of two Italian immigrant brothers struggling to keep their restaurant afloat in 1950s America. The movie is rated R for language.
- Jenks Library Book Discussion Group, 1:30-2:30 p.m., June 18, Jenks Library, 523 W. B. St. Read “The Warmth of Other Suns” and join in the lively discussion with other readers.
- Take Five: Migrations, 7 p.m., July 16, Hardesty Regional Library. Five librarians will each present five book talks in five minutes. You will leave with 25 great books on your “to read” list. The evening also includes book trivia, refreshments and door prizes.
- The Roots of Muscogee (Creek) Hymns: A Cultural Blending, 7 p.m., July 27, Tulsa Historical Society and Museum, 2445 S. Peoria Ave. Dr. Hugh Foley, music historian and professor, has studied the origins of Muskogee (Creek) hymn singing. In his book, “Oklahoma Music Guide,” he writes that the Muscogee (Creek) hymn tradition is a “model for cultural diffusion influence, adaptation, and re-appropriation, evolving into what very well could be the first American music that embraces the three major cultures of the nascent United States: the Anglo-Scot European, the African, and the American Indian.” Join us to learn about this fascinating history and hear examples of the music created by the blending of these three cultures.
For more information on Tulsa City-County Library events and services, call the AskUs Hotline, 918-549-7323, or visit the library’s website, www.tulsalibrary.org.
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