In the 1960s, thousands of protesters helped win sweeping reforms that gave African Americans a shot at equal rights and the chance to succeed in mainstream America. Forty-plus years later, a disproportionate number of blacks are still disenfranchised from society and a young black man is more likely to end up in prison than in college.

Award-winning author Joyce Carol Thomas questions whether the civil rights movement was worth the trouble. Born dirt-poor, forced to pick cotton to help her family eat, through sheer will and talent, Joyce reached the top of her profession despite her humble beginnings — and without the benefit of special legislation and affirmative action.

How did she do it and why do many other people of color
still struggle?

Joyce will take calls from listeners and talk about:
• How she and her brothers were able to rise above their circumstances without government handouts and become successful and fulfilled.

• What it was like to grow up hungry in America.

• Why today’s African Americans are less likely to
march on their own behalf.

• How to encourage people to take responsibility for their freedom and success.

CREDENTIALS: Winner of the National Book Award for MARKED BY FIRE, Joyce Carol Thomas has written more than 50 books. She has taught at the University of California at Santa Cruz and Purdue University, and the University of Tennessee. She has appeared on CNN and NPR.

AVAILABILITY: Northern California, nationwide via telephone, will travel upon arrangement
CONTACT: Joyce Carol Thomas, (510) 848-6440; JCTAUTHOR@aol.com