UPDATE: Due to an unforeseen change with Rep. Lewis’ schedule, a documentary screening will precede the authors’ discussion, and the book signing has been cancelled.
What: U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia and his co-authors will visit The University of Texas at Austin for a book talk on their three-part, graphic memoir “MARCH,” which exposes the fear, fight and freedom won through political engagement during the civil rights era. The conversation will follow a screening of the newly released film “Get in the Way: The Journey of John Lewis.”
When: The screening will begin at 11 a.m., followed by discussion with the authors at noon, Friday, March 24.
Where: Hogg Auditorium, 2300 Whitis Ave.
Who May Attend: The event is free and open to the public, but a ticket is required for entry. Public tickets are available at the LBJ Presidential Library (2313 Red River St.) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. UT students, faculty and staff tickets are available at the Student Activity Center ticket office. For more information, visit https://blackstudiesut.org.
Background: Nearly 50 years before the Black Lives Matter movement and 100 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, a group of prominent black leaders of the civil rights movement called the “Big Six” led resistance against disenfranchisement, segregation and oppression. Their activism lives on in “MARCH,” inspired and authored by Lewis, co-written by congressional aide Andrew Aydin and illustrated by New York Times best-selling artist Nate Powell.
Their visit to UT Austin coincides with the John L. Warfield Center for African & African American Studies’ Christian-Green gallery exhibit March ON!, a collection of hand-inked drawings from the award-winning memoir, as well as photographs, political ephemera and artwork.
Copies of “MARCH” will be available for sale in the auditorium or may be purchased from the LBJ Library.
“Christian-Green Gallery and the Warfield Center are proud to host Lewis, Aydin and Powell along with the exhibition ‘March ON.’ Each honors the democratic potential citizens have to improve our country,” said Cherise Smith, director of the Warfield Center.
The event is hosted by the Warfield Center, the LBJ School of Public Affairs and the LBJ Presidential Library.