Black History Month: Minnesota author of “Slavery’s Reach” to speak at Ridgewater
February 6, 2020
WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – In recognition of Black History Month, Ridgewater College will host regional author Dr. Christopher Lehman of St. Cloud State University on Thurs., February 20 at 3:00 p.m. The public is invited to hear Lehman share insights from his 2019 book, “Slavery’s Reach: Southern Slaveholders in the North Star State.”
Lehman, who is a professor of ethnic studies, has written several books, including “Power, Politics, and the Decline of the Civil Rights Movement” and “Slavery in the Upper Mississippi Valley, 1787-1865: A History of Human Bondage in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.” His most recent book, “Slavery’s Reach,” is a finalist for this year’s Minnesota Book Award for the category “Minnesota Nonfiction.”
“Black History Month is an important time to acknowledge the past and current struggles that are part of the African American experience in the United States but also to celebrate African American contributions and accomplishments,” said Stacy Griffey, Ridgewater Director of Equity, Inclusion and Student Success and Diversity Officer. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Lehman to share his knowledge regarding Minnesota’s role in this history.”
Descriptions on the Minnesota Historical Society website describe Lehman’s work in his 2019 book: “Through careful research in obscure records, censuses, newspapers, and archival collections, Christopher Lehman has brought to light this hidden history of northern complicity in building slaveholder wealth.” The book sheds light on mutually beneficial relationships between Minnesotans and southern slaveholders.
Lehman will present at the Willmar campus Student Center, upper level cafeteria. In addition, the event will be live-streamed to room 460 on the Hutchinson campus. The public is invited to attend this free event at either campus.
For more information, contact Stacy Griffey at 320-222-5980 or [email protected].