Green's "Something Must be Done About Prince Edward County" is Elon's Common Reading selection for 2018-19. Her visit is hosted by the Elon Core Curriculum and the Office of Cultural and Special Programs.
Wednesday, Oct. 3
Kristen Green, “A Family, A Virginia Town, a Civil Rights Battle”
Alumni Memorial Gymnasium, Koury Athletic Center, 7:30 p.m.
Elon Common Reading Lecture
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education to desegregate schools in 1954, the School Board of Prince Edward County in Virginia elected to end public education for the children of the county and use public funds to set up a “private” school for white kids only. Green asks tough questions of herself and those around her to fully uncover her family’s involvement in making this decision and the privileges she attained as a result. She unflinchingly shines a light on the inequalities have long existed in the U.S. education system and encourages us to address the issue head on.
Green will also participate in question-and-answer sessions with students in the Great Hall. The sessions will take place at 8 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4, and at 9:25 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5. Additionally, an author reception and book-signing will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3.
Admission to Wednesday’s lecture is by ticket only: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets available at the Center for the Arts Box Office. For information, call (336) 278-5610. Note: tickets that were distributed for the original date (September 12) will be honored at the door.