To Kill a Mockingbird: An African American Perspective

In this presentation, researcher, writer, and Head Griot for America's Black Holocaust Museum, Reggie Jackson will take an alternative look at Harper Lee's classic book "To Kill A Mockingbird" by utilizing a different lens. Reggie will explore the African American response to the book in 1960 as well as responses to the book in contemporary times. By using history, Reggie will explore three separate time periods including 1935, 1960 and responses from today while using a historical perspective. Reggie will also dig into the main characters and the roles that they played in the book. Many believe that the book is a good tool to explore issues of race. Reggie will examine that belief by asking pertinent questions about the depth of characters, the use of racial epithets used throughout the book, and the consequences of the way the book ends.