WLA/WHS Scholarly Series: A Rocky Road: The Struggle for Rights in America – Dr. Janus Adams

In the 16th year of collaboration between Wilton Library and the Wilton Historical Society, the scholarly four-part lecture series will focus on the theme of “A Rocky Road: The Struggle for Rights in America.”

The lectures will be held on Sunday afternoons, beginning on Jan. 29, at 4-5:30 p.m., with each session requiring a separate registration. The four lectures will be hosted by either Wilton Library or Wilton Historical Society.

During this kick-off program, “Bending the Arc: The Promise of Reconstruction Derailed; Navigating a Century of Jim Crow Apartheid,” Emmy Award-winning journalist, historian, author and radio host Dr. Janus Adams will discuss how she met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., their brief conversation, and the charge he gave this then-10-year-old girl. Many of you will undoubtedly recognize in her lecture title the reference to Dr. King’s famous quote: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Reconstruction, begun right after the Civil War ended, held much promise for the true liberation of Blacks in America. How was Reconstruction derailed and how did the resulting Jim Crow in the South and de jure as well as de facto segregation in the North operate? What are examples of Black success stories notwithstanding those devastating restrictions?

Adams is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, historian, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and author. She is also the producer and host of public radio’s “The Janus Adams Show” and podcast. Engaged by history since childhood, at age 8 she was one of four children selected to break New York’s de facto segregation in the wake of the Brown v. Board of Education decision. At age 10, she was introduced to Dr. King. A pioneer of issue-oriented African-American and women’s programming, she has hosted and produced numerous talk shows for public broadcasting and cable news. She is a frequent on-air guest and a significant contributor to print and online media outlets. A former Wilton resident, she began her 16-year run as a syndicated columnist with the Wilton Bulletin. She is a classically trained pianist and the founder of children’s book publisher BackPax.

The moderator is Stephen Hudspeth. This lecture is sponsored by Kathleen and Bill Brennan. There is no charge to attend; donations are welcome. Visit the Wilton Library website for registration, additional dates, topic and speaker details. Registration is required for each individual session.