Date: Wednesday September 25

Time: 7pm est

Location: Virtual

Host: Allan

Contact: allanm@defenseofdemocracy.org

Book we'll be discussing: The Segregation Fight in South Carolina. The discussion will include Prof. Damon Fordham as an attendee and moderator.

In 1895, Senator Benjamin Tillman of South Carolina attempted to solidify his political power. He proposed to rewrite the South Carolina Constitution to deny African Americans their constitutional rights and make racial segregation the law of the state.

Six Black leaders--Robert Anderson, Isaiah Reed, Robert Smalls, William J. Whipper, James Wigg and Thomas E. Miller--went to the state capitol in the face of insult and ridicule to make an eloquent stand against these developments. The erudite and forceful addresses of these men drew worldwide headlines but are largely forgotten today.

Author Damon L. Fordham attempts to rectify that omission and inspire generations to come.

About the Author:

Prof. Damon Fordham is an adjunct professor of history, public speaking and critical thinking at The Citadel n Charleston SC and of a yearly seminar in African American and US history at Charleston Southern University. He also teaches literacy skills and GED classes with the Trident Literacy Association.

Prof Fordham has taught at Springfield College (2006-2013) and the College of Charleston (1998-2002) and was a research assistant at the Avery Research Center of African American History and Culture in Charleston from 1995 to 2005, and a radio commentator for station WPAL in Charleston from 1995 to 2005. He is the author of three books, "True Stories of Black South Carolina," "Voices of Black South Carolina," and the novel "Mr. Potts and Me."

Based on his father's folk tales, the latter is a semi-autobiographical tale of a lonely boy who befriends an old man who gets him through life with his fascinating stories. All three books are available on Amazon.com. Prof Fordham also has a you tube channel with videos of his lectures on history and of engaging in his hobby of playing the Chromatic Harmonica.

Ready to strike a blow against the forces of darkness banning books in America? Join our Readout campaign during Banned Books Week where Defense of Democracy volunteers across the country will be hosting book readings that feature their favorite banned books. Readout events last year raised awareness of the growing menace of book banning, and raised money to help us overturn these pernicious bans.

Want to host your own Readout event? You can register <here>.

About Defense of Democracy:

In the spring of 2022, two moms in a small upstate New York town came together to fight back against three school board candidates endorsed by the hate group Moms for Liberty. Karen Svoboda and Laura Leigh Abby were quickly joined by a dedicated team of parents and advocates. Working together, we were able to double voter turnout—and defeat all three candidates.

Since our incorporation in October 2022, Defense of Democracy has established chapters across the country, mobilizing communities and protecting our families and public schools.

Defense of Democracy is made up of people from all walks of life, including our affiliate groups Veterans Defending Democracy, Students Defending Democracy and Faith Leaders Defending Democracy.

Importantly, our organization is passionately committed to nonpartisanship and welcomes anyone who opposes the oppression of their fellow Americans, particularly those in marginalized communities. Some of our most vocal advocates are individuals who consider themselves conservative but happen to know and love people who are in communities that are under attack.

SC Charleston Readout Event

Celebrate Banned Books Week 2024 - September 25