Washington, D.C. Author Eric Hughes Weaves Latest Novel Around Turbulent 1960s

Aug. 18, 2011 - PRLog -- For Washington, D.C. author Eric Hughes, the Civil Rights Movement is not just a forgotten page left behind in history books. Hughes’ newly-released novel, “Our Time – Another Bond” was influenced by his life-long commitment to civil rights and his personal victory over workplace discrimination.

“Our Time – Another Bond” gives readers a glimpse into the turbulent 1960s, and weaves the influence of its culture and music throughout the story. Hughes’ touching, poignant novel will make readers think about the nature of love and racial relations: the sweetness of young love coupled with the reflections on a past that was both innocent and hurtful.

The story is about high school sweethearts, Paul and Irene (a black male and white female), who were involved in an interracial relationship during the 1960s. Thirty years later, they meet again at their high school reunion. The fact that Paul’s old high school sweetheart is single and white causes a rift with Paul’s wife, and he struggles to keep his relationship with Irene platonic and marriage intact.  

“The story is ten percent based on my personal experiences and ninety percent fiction. People still dance around the topic of racism within family ranks, and my book brings it into the open,” explains Hughes.

Hughes is no stranger to racial discrimination. Nine years ago, Hughes wrote “The Third Burden: My True Story of Defeating Discrimination in the Workplace.”  His candid memoir chronicles how he fought racial discrimination, and won two different cases against Cabinet-level federal government agencies – a rare deed.

Despite numerous accolades for his stellar job performance, Hughes was repeatedly denied career advancement opportunities. As a result, he exposed the U.S. Department of State in 1986 and the U.S. Department of Commerce (NOAA) in 1990, respectively, for racial discrimination in the workplace. His cases weren’t affiliated with class action lawsuits – he personally challenged these agencies and won both cases at the administrative level.  

Former U.S. Congressman and civil rights leader, Walter E. Fauntroy, praised Hughes for his stand against discrimination:  “History is nourished by the instructive example of Eric’s twelve year struggle for justice at the Department of State. Eric’s victory has vindicated Martin Luther King, Jr.’s struggle to end racial and employment discrimination. Eric’s victory will be a source of inspiration to the Black (Congressional) Caucus who continue to prevent those who would turn back affirmative action and equal employment opportunity.”

Hughes shares a strong, pervasive message throughout his books: “I want to persuade African-Americans to refuse to accept unfairness in their daily lives, and convince them that to do less will keep all future generations under a godless yoke that they don’t deserve.”

For more information about Eric Hughes and his books, please visit http://www.richughes.com and http://www.discrimrelief.com

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Eric Hughes, Author & Speaker

Phone: 202-582-1913
Email: richughes@erols.com
Website: www.richughes.com