Author Addresses Community About Black History

VALDOSTA -- In celebration of Black History Month, Valdosta State University's African American Studies Department and the city of Valdosta will host guest lecturer James Edward Alexander at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, in the University Center Magnolia Room.

A Valdosta native, Alexander will share childhood anecdotes from his compilation titled "Halfway Home from Kinderlou," which depicts life in the South as seen from the eyes of an African American boy. The autobiography captures rich local history in an entertaining and informative format. Its author will give guests at Wednesday's lecture an account of how African Americans have influenced the development of the Valdosta community, which is celebrating 150 years of growth during its sesquicentennial anniversary in 2010.

Alexander, a strong advocate for education, said he believes it is never too late to fulfill lifelong dreams. The education and life lessons he attained while in Valdosta provided the drive and perseverance necessary for him to achieve his own long-term goals of completing law school and passing the California Bar Examination, which he did on his initial attempt at age 56. He then practiced law in Beverly Hills, Calif. for more than a decade.

In October 2009, the author, who lives in Bluffton, S.C. with his wife, Toian Bowser-Alexander, published his second book, "If I should Die Before I Wake…What Will Happen to My Stuff?” -- a “checklist” for collecting and maintaining information about one’s life and property.

Community members are invited to attend this free event. Call the African American Studies Department at (229) 249-4843 for more information.