Unsung Heroes of Civil Rights with Bill Thierfelder

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.**
 

We've all heard of Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X--each a household name for their involvement with the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. But have you heard of Nannie Helen Burroughs who fired up the crowd in 1900 with her impassioned “How the Sisters Are Hindered From Helping”? How about Pauli Murray who became the first Black woman ordained an Episcopalian priest, or Ella Baker, or Claudette Colvin who was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus nine months before Rosa Parks? Even though they stayed out of the limelight or simply predated the 1960s, the contributions of these individuals were just as important in fueling the movement as were the legendary historical figures we learned about in school. Come celebrate these “other heroes” in the fight for equality. 

ABOUT BILL: Dr. Bill Thierfelder is a retired professor of Arts and Humanities, with a PhD in English Literature, an MA in Theology, and a BA in English with additional concentrations in music history and art. After teaching Second Grade for four years and High School seniors for six months as a replacement substitute, Bill spent the next 32 years teaching a variety of Arts and Humanities courses at several New York and Long Island universities and colleges, including St. John's University, Hofstra University, and Dowling College. He is currently docent emeritus at the American Museum of Natural History where he continues to give both Zoom and in-person presentations, work on special editing projects, and give tours. He also lectures regularly for libraries and educational organizations nationwide via Zoom. Bill's classroom, library, and Museum vocations have taught him that life is all about “making wings," hence, the name of his website: Making Wings. Indeed, Bill's philosophy--rooted in years of practical study and life experience--is simple: The most important thing you can do is to make wings for yourself and fly to places that fulfill your potential, that allow you to develop your unique gifts, and that open you up to a world of possibilities.

RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.

Made possible, in part, by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust. Presented in cooperation with a variety of other area libraries.