Library of Virginia to present talk with historian about the Civil Rights Movement

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Library of Virginia will present a free talk by historian Jody Lynn Allen on her new book about a Black community in Virginia fighting for civil rights in the 19th century on May 29.

The discussion will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, and centers around Allen's book, "Roses in December: Black Life in Hanover County from Civil War to Civil Rights,” and begins in the era of Reconstruction and ends with desegregation, as per the release.

Allen's book is a local, community-history look at the Civil Rights Movement in the rural South between 1865 to 1965, examining newly freed people and their Hanover County descendants.

Allen is an assistant professor of history and the Robert Francis Engs Director of the Lemon Project at William & Mary, according to a release. The Lemon Projects focuses on the college's more than 300-year-long relationship with Black people on campus and in the Williamsburg area.

The library agency also shared that a book signing will follow the talk.

To register for the event, click here.