"The Color of Water"

DavidsonReads press release

If you haven’t had a chance to read James McBride’s “The Color of Water,” it’s not too late. The DavidsonReads committee hopes you pick up a copy and join this fall’s community read, including a series of events in the coming months.

“We are thrilled to offering a wide variety of events for all ages this year,” said Lisa Jewel, chair of DavidsonReads.

See the DavidsonReads events schedule below

“‘The Color of Water’ speaks to people on so many different levels and helps us understand our cultural, religious and racial differences. The Town of Davidson is a perfect place to begin dialogues about what makes us all special, as our town has such a unique background and is now home to people from all of the country and across the globe. I know that people will take away a lot of lessons from this novel and will have a great time getting to know each other better,” Ms. Jewel said.

EVENTS

Genealogy: How to Create a Family Tree, Sept. 20, 4 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – Jane Johnson is an information specialist at the Main Branch of the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County. She will share techniques and resources used to make a family tree.

Book Discussion with Davidson College Professor Shireen Campbell, Oct. 1, 7 p.m., Davidson Public Library – Prof. Campbell will lead an open conversation about “The Color of Water” and will discuss memoirs. She has a PhD in English from Tulane University and has been teaching at Davidson College since 1993.

Religion & Education Panel w/Christian, Jewish & Muslim Clergy, Oct. 8, 7 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – Join area clergy for a panel discussion about religion and education. James McBride states that, “it was in her sense of education, more than any other, that Mommy conveyed her Jewishness to us.” Is this value on education uniquely Jewish or do other faiths share this? How does one’s religious ideology affect one’s educational philosophy?

Panelists include: Dr. Jody Seymour – Davidson United Methodist Church; Rev. Darrell VanPelt – Davidson Presbyterian Church; Rabbi Michael Shields – Lake Norman Jewish Congregation; Rev. Shelli Latham – Davidson College Presbyterian Church;Bassam Halaweh – Davidson College.

Exploring Identity with Woodlawn School Students, Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – “The Color of Water” is, in many ways, a story about identity. In order to discover who he is, James McBride must uncover the story of his mother’s past. The 11th and 12th grade students from Woodlawn School will lead group discussions about McBride’s memoir that explore the quest for identity and the complicated relationship between different generations. Students will also present and discuss original work centered around these themes.

Everything You Wanted to Know about Blacks & Jews – Oct. 22, 7 p.m., Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. Join Rabbi Barbara Thiede and the Rev. Brenda Tapia for a frank and open discussion about cultural differences. In “The Color of Water” James McBride describes his encounters with misunderstandings about race and religion. Come learn what you might not know about your neighbors and what would they like you to know. There will be opportunities to ask questions and to engage in serious conversations.

Book Discussion with Davidson College Professor Anthony Abbott, Nov. 4, 10 a.m., The Pines at Davidson, 400 Avinger Lane – Prof. Abbott is a retired full professor from Davidson College and author of critical studies, novels, and poetry. He will be returning to DavidsonReads to lead the second book discussion of “The Color of Water. ”

Finale: Davidson Family Reunion – A Day of Music, Food & Fun, Nov. 14, noon to 2:30 p.m., Davidson Village Green – This free community event is the finale of DavidsonReads 2009 program. By bringing Davidson’s different religious and community groups together by celebrating with singing, dancing and food we hope to illustrate the best lessons of “The Color of Water.” Local churches, synagogues and schools are planning to participate with choral and musical performances, an ethnic dancing showcase and dramatic readings. The Davidson Historical Society will display archived family trees and local citizens are encouraged to display their family trees. There will be a community potluck, pie baking contest and children’s holiday art projects by The Community Art Project.

For more information visit www.davidsonreads.org or call 704-892-3349.