Neptune resident Kay Harris took a fascinating journey- a journey that chronicles the long, protest-ridden trail in the American Civil Rights movement.
Harris will discuss her book, “From Amistad to the White House: Teachable Moments from 1839 to Within My Lifetime,” in Asbury Park on May 13.
Harris, a local business owner and educator, will speak about her unique journey through the Civil Rights Movement that took her from the cityscapes of Birmingham, Alabama and Memphis, Tennessee to the nearly forgotten backroads of rural Money, Mississippi- retelling the often-devastating events that transpired there.
“I knew of these Civil Rights events but to actually be there in person is a special experience. Even though I thought I knew the history of our past, by doing the book I learned so much more about the stories of our past. It was an interesting and heart-wrenching journey,” she said.
Her book also brings the civil rights movement up-to-date with reflections on the election of America’s first black President and recent news stories that continue to frame the ongoing struggle for human rights.
Her presentation and a book-signing will be held on Saturday, May 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 155 Prospect Avenue, in Asbury Park.
Hardcover and paperback copies of “From Amistad to the White House” will be for sale ($25 softcover and $32 hardcover) with proceeds going to St. Augustine’s Church and the Asbury Park Historical Society.
Harris, who will read excerpts from her book and share personal stories, is a perfect candidate to give her perspective and chronical such a journey- being an African-American woman who came of age during that era.
There is free parking in the church’s lot at the corner of Prospect and Atlantic Avenues. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
Harris’s book is also available through Amazon and at her boardwalk store, the Asbury Galleria, located in the Convention Hall Arcade.