Barnes & Noble to Host Book Signing for African Americans of Wichita

WICHITA, Kan. - Feb. 9, 2016 - PRLog -- Barnes & Noble to Host Book Signing for African Americans of Wichita

The Kansas African American Museum will be available to sign copies of book

The African American community of Wichita is as old as the city itself, dating back to early pioneers, cowboys, and business figures. Once relatively integrated, Wichita became more segregated as the 20th century unfolded. In response, African Americans developed a lively neighborhood downtown with its own businesses, churches, schools, and organizations. World War II brought new populations to work in the aircraft industry and set the stage for profound changes. In the 1950s, a younger generation of leaders challenged racism and discrimination, unleashing a period of change that was both hopeful and painful. In recent years, the African American community has become more complex, with generations of established families joined by recent transplants, emigrants from Africa, and children of mixed marriages. While challenges remain, African Americans are more visible than ever before in local life, evident in politics, business, sports, and education. The title’s 200 images come from collections across the city, especially those of the Kansas African American Museum, whose members worked so diligently to bring this history to fruition. Photographs range from informal snapshots to the accomplished work of professional photographers L.K. and Rosie Hughes. Some document well-known icons of the community, while others are poignant in their anonymity, illustrating how much of the story remains to be told.

About the Authors:

A team of professionals, with the aid of community members, worked diligently to bring this history to life. Headed by Jay Price, history professor at Wichita State University, the project team includes TKAAM Executive Director, Mark McCormick, Carole Branda, Dr. Gretchen Eick, Dr. Robert Weems and WSU graduate students Abril Marshall and Mark Strohminger.

Join the author for a signing:

Where:  Barnes & Noble

1920 N. Rock Road

Wichita, KS 67206

When: Saturday, February 20th, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online (https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/Products/9781467114813).

The combination of Arcadia Publishing & The History Press creates the largest and most comprehensive publisher of local and regional content in the USA. By empowering local history and culture enthusiasts to write local stories for local audiences, we create exceptional books that are relevant on a local and personal level, enrich lives, and bring readers closer - to their community, their neighbors, and their past. Have we done a book on your town?  Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com