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Prisca Barnes from Humanities Kansas Gives Program on John Lewis
Join Winfield Public Library for this presentation via Zoom that will explore John Lewis’ contribution to the national fight for equality and how visual images, and the participation of others in the struggle for racial justice, shaped and transformed America. Prisca Barnes, who visited WPL in February to give her talk on the Wichita Dockum Drugstore Sit-ins, joins us again on Friday, August 21st at 6:30pm to give an overview on John Lewis’ life of activism.  Register for the event by calling WPL at 620-221-4470 or through WPL’s online events calendar.  
Prisca Barnes is the founder of Storytime Village, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Wichita that promotes reading among low-income children and families. She is a passionate advocate for equity in education and literacy.
In May of 1961, John Lewis was among the 13 original “Freedom Riders,” young people who traveled on buses to challenge segregation in public transportation in Southern regions of the United States.  The riders were attacked and John was severely beaten. A veteran of non-violent protest, John understood the power that the media provided with images in propelling the fight for civil rights forward.  Later in life, his reflections on the severe beating during the Freedom Rides, John candidly stated,  “If you’re gonna beat us let somebody else see it…beat us while others are watching so they can see it.” Through television, newspapers, and magazines, the nation was watching and John wanted everyone to see the ugly reality that he was facing.
This program is being held in conjunction with the Winfield Public Library’s program on Monday, August 24th, a special book discussion and rare opportunity to discuss John Lewis’ memoir Walking with the Wind with Mike D’Orso, the author who helped Lewis write his memoir.  Via Zoom, Mike D’Orso will visit the Winfeld community to talk about his experience working with the late Congressman and legendary activist.  The Zoom conversation will take place at 6:30pm.  Registration is necessary; register through WPL’s online calendar or by calling 620-221-4470.  For those who wish to read the book, they are available for curbside pick-up, however reading Walking with the Wind isn’t necessary to attend and enjoy this conversation.  
For information on this or any of WPL’s other programs, visit wpl.org or call 620-221-4470.  WPL is currently open for curbside pick-up for books, book bundles, DVD’s, Grab and Go Crafts, Zoom Game Nights, and more.  Talk with a librarian Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 5pm; Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 7pm; and Saturday from 10am to 2pm.