Special Programs & Events

Free Soil
Diane Jordan-Grizzard

Saturday, August 21 at 2 p.m.

Cincinnati Dining Room

Join Diane Jordan-Grizzard, author of Free Soil, as she takes us on an illuminating journey from the past to the present. The past is represented by the journey of freed blacks starting new lives in Liberia. In the present, Diane will connect underlying themes of her book to specific artifacts in the America I AM exhibit, as she inspires future generations to realize their dreams.

Book signing immediately follows an America I AM tour led by Diane.

Born Again: African Americans and the Black Church Movement in Cincinnati
Dr. Eric Jackson
Saturday, August 28 at 1 p.m.

Reakirt Auditorium

Dr. Jackson's presentation illuminates the journey of the captured Africans as they are forced to move from native spiritual beliefs to adopting Christian beliefs in America. Jackson further demonstrates how the black church movement helped bring a sense of identity and community to African Americans through the 1800s.

With Heads Held High: Legacy of My Southern Parents’ Prayers
Odessa Walker Hooker

Saturday, September 18 at 1 p.m.
Reakirt Auditorium

Join Odessa Walker Hooker as she recalls growing up as a young black girl during depression-era Georgia. In her inspirational biography, Hooker shares her experience as a college student during the Post World War II era and her subsequent journey to Cincinnati. In Cincinnati, she struggles to find work and raise her 5 children as a solo parent. However, through building on the moral foundation of her parents (faith, hope, hard work and love) Hooker triumphs to become an award winning teacher and mentor.

Book signing immediately follows.

A Naturalist Afield
Reflections on Cincinnati Nature, 1937-1984
Karl H. Maslowski’s

September 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Reakirt Auditorium

The late Karl H. Maslowski (1913-2006) was a devoted conservationist and dedicated naturalist. In this lecture, his son, Steve Maslowski talks about his Father’s book and career. The book is an edited collection of weekly nature columns published in the Cincinnati Enquirer over a period of nearly 50 years. Join us to learn more about the world we live in from a Naturalist point of view.