I Am Nobody&rsquo\;s Slave \; tells the story of one Black family's pursuit of the American Dream throug h the impacts of systemic racism and racial violence. This book examines h ow trauma from enslavement and Jim Crow shaped their outlook on thriving i n America\, influenced each generation\, and how they succeeded despite th ese challenges.
\nTo their suburban Minnesotan neighbors\, the Hawki nses were an ideal American family\, embodying strength and success. Howev er\, behind closed doors\, they faced the legacy of enslavement and aparth eid. Lee Hawkins\, Sr. often exhibited rage\, leaving his children anxious and curious about his protective view of the world. Thirty years later\, his son uncovered the reasons for his father&rsquo\;s anxiety and occasion al violence. Through research\, he discovered violent deaths in his family for every generation since slavery\, mostly due to white-on-Black murders \, and how white enslavers impacted the family&rsquo\;s customs.
\nH awkins explores the role of racism-triggered childhood trauma and chronic stress in shortening his ancestors' lives\, using genetic testing\, report ing\, and historical data to craft a moving family portrait. This book sho ws how genealogical research can educate and heal Americans of all races\, revealing through their story the story of America&mdash\;a journey of st ruggle\, resilience\, and the heavy cost of ultimate success. Register tod ay to join the conversation!
\nAbout the Author:&nb sp\;
\nLEE HAWKINS was a 2022 Pulitzer Prize finalist as a lead repo rter on a series about the Tulsa Massacre of 1921 at the \;Wall St reet Journal\, where he worked for nineteen years. He has received se veral fellowships\, including The Carter Center&rsquo\;s Rosalynn Carter F ellowship for Mental Health Journalism\, the Alicia Patterson Foundation J ournalism Fellowship\, the O&rsquo\;Brien Fellowship for Public Service Jo urnalism\, the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism National Fellows hip for reporting on child well-being. Hawkins is a five-time winner of th e National Association of Black Journalists&rsquo\; &ldquo\;Salute to Exce llence&rdquo\; Award. He is the creator and host of the podcast &ldquo\;Wh at Happened in Alabama?&rdquo\; and lives in the New York City area.
\nDisclaimer:
\nThe views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsem ent of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific produc t or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Indian apolis Public Library.
\nhttps://indianapolis.libnet.info/event/1254001 6 URL;VALUE=URI:https://indianapolis.libnet.info/event/12540016 ATTACH:https://static.libnet.info/images/events/indianapolis/2025-virtual- author-talk-february-lee-hawkins-640x340.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR