Renowned African American contemporary author, Victoria Christopher Murray, will be speaking at the Hooper-Renwick Speaker Series this month. The series showcases prominent Black authors and community activists for racial equity and healing. Its goal is to encourage open and honest discussions within the community and foster empathy among the diverse residents of Gwinnett County.
Murray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has written over 30 novels, including The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies ‒ both instant bestsellers. She will be joined in conversation by her good friend and fellow author, ReShonda Tate.
Dr. John Maxey and Joyce Moore, both graduates of Hooper-Renwick School, will also take part in the event to discuss the school’s history and its significance in present times.
Duffie Dixon, Director of Marketing and Communications for Gwinnett County Public Library, praised those who helped make this series possible. “Because of the leadership and the generous contributions of so many, we are able to organize this speaker series.”
The Hooper-Renwick Themed Library, a new 25,000-square-foot branch in Lawrenceville, is under construction on the site of the county’s former Black high school. The design incorporates the 1959 addition to the school, and it will serve the residents of Gwinnett County. As a themed library, it will showcase cultural and historic objects and artifacts alongside the library’s resources to benefit its patrons.
Charles Pace, Executive Director for Gwinnett County Public Library, expressed his opinion during an announcement of the approved plans for the library “With the commemoration of Hooper-Renwick in and throughout this new library, we celebrate the progress we have made as a community while acknowledging that there is still A LOT of work to be done in pursuit of racial justice, equity, and equality.”
The Hooper-Renwick Memorial Programming Fund & Endowment will help the community move into the future with inspiring talks and educational programming aspiring to reduce racial prejudice in our community.
“Today and every day, may this special place spur us to continue to learn from each other’s experiences, ask better questions, and listen more intentionally while we grow together in the dignifying of every human story in our county, across our state, and around the world.”
A big thanks to Peach State Credit Union which served as the principal founding donor of the Hooper-Renwick Memorial Programming Fund & Endowment. We, as a community, appreciate you.
