Greater New Haven Community Events Calendar

Join us as Dr. Brian Mitchell discusses his book, Monumental: Oscar Dunn and His Radical Fight in Reconstruction Louisiana. 

Brian Keith Mitchell is a native of New Orleans and a resident of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Mitchell identifies himself as a ​“Transplanted New Orleanian” who is forever thankful to the State of Arkansas for welcoming him during the chaotic aftermath of the hurricane. Mitchell is currently an Associate Professor of History at the University of Arkansas Little Rock and an Associate Faculty Member at the Anderson Institute on Race and Ethnicity.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Monumental tells, for the first time, the incredible story of Oscar James Dunn, a New Orleanian born into slavery who became America’s first Black Lieutenant Governor and Acting Governor. A champion of universal suffrage, civil rights, and integrated public schools, Dunn fought for radical change during the early years of Reconstruction in Louisiana, a post-Civil War era rife with corruption, subterfuge, and violence. A graphic history informed by newly discovered primary sources, Monumental resurrects, in vivid detail, Louisiana and New Orleans after the Civil War – and presents an iconic American life that never should have been forgotten. Contextual essays and a map and timeline add layers of depth to the narrative. Monumental is a story of determination, scandal, betrayal, and how one man’s principled fight for equality and justice may have cost him everything.

No registration necessary. Join us on Zoom using this link: https://zoom.us/j/94834984320

This event will also stream live on our Facebook page.

For more information contact Arthur Volanth: avolanth@nhfpl.org / 203 – 946-2228, ext. 605

or Isaac Shub: ishub@nhfpl.org / 203 – 946-8130, ext. 200.