The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library invites you to a panel book discussion on Timothy Egan's A Fever in the Heartland\,&nbs p\;focusing on the historical and contemporary impact of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK)\, racism\, and faith in Evansville\, Indiana. The event will be held at the Fi rst Presbyterian Church\, located at 609 SE Second St. in Evansville\, and is free and open to the public.
\nThis group will bring th eir unique perspectives on how the rise of the KKK in the 1920s shaped the social and cultural fabric of Evansville\, as well as the broader implica tions of racism and the role of faith in navigating these challenges.
\ nDr. Daniel Byrne
Professor of History
University of Evansville
Dr. Byrne received his Bachelor&rsquo\;s degree in history from the University of N otre Dame and his Doctorate from Georgetown University. Before joining the faculty at UE in 2005\, he taught at Georgetown\, the U.S. Naval Academy\ , Francis Marion University\, the University of Notre Dame\, and Bradley U niversity. Since arriving at UE\, Dr. Byrne has taught courses on the hist ory of United States foreign policy\, the American Civil War and Reconstru ction\, America between the Wars\, Cold War America\, the Decolonization o f Africa\, the rise of Modern China and Japan\, and first year seminars on American Social Welfare policy.
\n\nRev. \;Mary
Beth McCandless
Pastor
First Presbyterian Church
Dr. Mary (MT
) Hallock Morris
Associate Professor of Political Science
University of Southern Indiana
Dr. Morris is an associate profe ssor of political science at USI\, teaching courses in national\, state\, and local politics as well as in public policy and administration. Dr. Mor ris&rsquo\;s interests include the intersection of political history with current policy\; free speech\, civility and information literacy in the pu blic arena\; and environmental politics.
\n\nGerald S
ummers
Retired Director of Safety and Security\, EVSC
F
ormer EPD police officer\, EVSC Board of School Trustees member
Ge rald Summers is a former officer of the Evansville Police Department\, a f ormer member of the EVSC Board of School Trustees\, and retired as the Dir ector of Safety and Security for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corpora tion. A dedicated advocate for equal rights and opportunities\, he has wor ked tirelessly to promote justice and unity in our community. As a descend ant of enslaved people who fought for their freedom\, and as a Black man i n an interracial marriage\, Gerald brings a powerful personal perspective to discussions about race\, equality\, and overcoming division.
\nWatez G. Phelps\, Sr.
Past Presiden
t
University of Evansville African American Alumni Association
The disc ussion will explore the historical roots of the Klan's presence in the reg ion\, its influence on local communities\, and how these issues continue t o resonate in modern Evansville and in modern times across all places. Pan elists will also examine the role of faith-based organizations and leaders in combating racial injustice and fostering unity in a community torn by racial divisions.
\nThis event offers a rare opportunity for communi ty members to reflect on the past\, understand its lasting effects\, and e ngage in a dialogue about how we can move forward together in creating a m ore inclusive and just society. The panel discussion will encourage attend ees to ask tough questions and participate in meaningful conversations tha t promote understanding and healing.
\nDon't miss this chance to eng age with history\, faith\, and social justice in Evansville.
\n\nJoin us for the SPEAK pre sentation featuring the author\, Timothy Egan\, on Wednesday\, March 19\, 2025\, again at First Presbyterian in downtown Evansville\, presented by t he EVPL Foundation. Learn more about this at www.evpl.org/speak2025. \;
\n
Please contact Programming@evpl.org with questions.
\nDISCLAIMER: \; Due to the sensiti ve nature of some topics explored in the book\, this discussion may not be suitable for all audiences. Some topics of the discussion may trigger pri or traumas or difficult experiences for some individuals. We encourage aud ience members to feel welcome to step away from the discussion as necessar y.
\n\n
Click on the event for more information.
\n