AUTHOR EVENTS | BOOK CLUB EVENTS | VIDEO AND AUDIO
Each year for Read & Share, library staff select a non-fiction title to inspire a month of thoughtful conversations among county residents. It’s also a chance to introduce readers to outstanding local authors. For our fourth annual event, we chose Bellingham author Clyde W. Ford’s award-winning memoir Think Black. This vivid portrayal of the intersection between technology and race and the tension between a trailblazing father and rebellious son is a perfect fit for this fall’s gatherings.
Ford says Think Black is: “A story about the first Black software engineer in America, who happened to be my dad. It’s a story which really talks about what he encountered inside of himself and also externally in that role. And what I encountered as his son.”
While the book considers the role of technology in our lives, Ford says Think Black is “not a super techy book.” This year’s Read & Share, he says, lends itself to tough discussions about race and the extent to which technology dominates our lives and may manipulate society.
Ford, who has lived in Bellingham for 33 years, is looking forward to discussing the book with his neighbors. “Talking about hard topics, considering them together, helps us move forward as a society,” he says. “It is like a thread that connects people when you are reading and focusing on something similar.”
ALL READ & SHARE EVENTS WILL BE HELD ONLINE VIA ZOOM
Author Events — ONLINE
Saturday, Oct. 8. 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Adult Writing Workshop with Clyde Ford
Clyde Ford is the author of 14 works of fiction and nonfiction. In this workshop, the author shares tips to inspire your writing practice and to craft stories that will engage people.
Thursday, October 20, 7:00 PM–8:00 PM
Think Black Book Talk with Clyde Ford
The Bellingham-based author vividly describes the journey of researching and writing his award-winning memoir. In her review of Think Black, librarian and noted book critic Nancy Pearl said, “Using the experiences of both his father and himself, (Ford) frames the story of race in America over the last 70 years.” Audience questions are welcome.
Thursday, October 27, 7:00 PM–8:00 PM
Magical Mystery Tour with Clyde Ford
The author shares how he became a writer. This inspiring session is ideal for anyone fascinated by the creative process.
Saturday, Nov. 5, 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Of Blood and Sweat Book Talk
Ford’s latest book, Of Blood and Sweat: Black Lives and the Making of White Power and Wealth, was published to acclaim in April 2022. In her review of the book, WCLS Collections Librarian Mary Kinser wrote: “Ford meshes his storytelling talents with his skills as a historian, tracing the ways in which Black labor built the very structures and systems on which our nation rests.”
Thursday, Nov. 10, 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Clyde Ford Creative Writing Program with Teens (Grades 6-12)
Teen writers, join us for a special hour with author Clyde Ford. He will share insights about writing and publishing and will answer your questions about becoming a published author. “I am interested in helping people find their voice in the written word. Finding themselves in finding their voice,” Ford says.
Think Black Book Discussions – Registration required to join online.
Friday, Sept. 16
Books and Bites
1:00 PM-2:30 PM
Blaine Library and Online
Tuesday, Sept. 20
Foothills Book Club
7:00 PM-8:15 PM
Deming Library and Online
HOW TO ATTEND:
Registration is required for online events; space is limited. Reserve your space via the link at wcls.org/readandshare. For online programs, a link will be sent before each program.
PREVIOUS VIDEO PRESENTATIONS
WCLS PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH CLYDE FORD
RECOMMENDED COMPANION READING
How to Be An AntiRacist by Ibram X. Kendi
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story, created and edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones
Of Blood and Sweat: Black Lives and the Making of White Power and Wealth by Clyde W. Ford