Date: February 5, 2010
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

 

Dr. Jerry Holt

PNC, Michigan City Library Celebrate Black History Month

Westville- Purdue University North Central Odyssey 2009-10 Arts and Cultural Events Series and the Michigan City Public Library will celebrate Black History Month on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. at the Michigan City Public Library with the lecture "Defining Moments in Black History - Two Remarkable Stories" presented by Dr. Jerry Holt, PNC assistant professor of English. The event is free and open to the public.

This presentation will focus on two African-American stories - one quite famous and the other virtually unknown. The known is the great Jackie Robinson who, along with Brooklyn Dodgers Manager Branch Rickey, integrated sports. The unknown deals with Bessie Tomlin, who was the only casualty of the 1937 Ohio River Flood. Tomlin's rescue boat overturned but she was able to hold her 18-month-old daughter out of the water until a fireman could grab her. Tomlin then disappeared beneath the water.

Holt promises, “That is only the beginning of this touching story. Both stories reflect the vast panorama that is Black American History--and both should be told again and again.”

Holt has written and lectured extensively about African-American issues. His drama "Rickey" tells the story of the pact between baseball manager Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson.

PNC Odyssey Arts and Cultural Events Series features events throughout the year. A schedule can be found at www.pnc.edu . For information about this or any event in the Odyssey series, contact Judy Jacobi, PNC assistant vice chancellor of Marketing and Community Relations, at 785-5200, ext. 5593. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Jacobi.

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