Book signing kicks off fundraiser
8/8/2008 12:03 AM   0 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend



By RACHEL JOHNSON

Staff writer

Three years of intense research discovering hidden memories and lost pasts created a historical treasure.

On Thursday afternoon, the authors, editor and photographer behind "A Pictorial History of African Americans in Aiken County" gathered at the Book Stall in downtown Aiken to share the fruits of their labor with the public during a special book signing event. The gathering marked the first of several in a monthlong celebration of the book's publication.

"A Pictorial History of African Americans in Aiken County" serves as a fundraiser for the Center for African-American History, Art and Culture which is slated to open in 2009. With 3,000 first edition books printed, they have been moving fast as interest in the book has spread.

"People have been buying them by the stack," said Editor T. Ella Strother. "I have had several people tell me 'I sat and read the whole thing right away.' We are very happy with the final product."

The book offers glimpses into the pivotal roles members of the community, as well as the roles played by their parents and grandparents played in developing every facet of life in Aiken.

"A Pictorial History of African Americans in Aiken County" combines narrative with photographs and captions to depict the educational, religious, occupational, social, political and military experiences of African-Americans in Aiken.

"This is history that needs to be shared with the community for both better understanding and preservation. There is a huge, rich, untapped body of history," Strother said.

"The book is a beginning toward understanding the contributions of African-Americans in Aiken County; it is not the total picture, but it is a start," Audrey Ogletree said.

The book features the writings of six Aiken residents, including Dr. Maggi Morehouse of USC Aiken, Audrey Ogletree, Paulette "Washington" Owens, Coleen Reed, Stephen Delaney Hale and Strother, as well as the photography of George Buggs. The book was made possible by the generosity of Aiken Regional Medical Centers, SRP Federal Credit Union, Second Baptist Church of Aiken and Security Federal Bank.

This commemorative book is currently available by calling 649-2221, stopping by the ADDA office, located at 208 The Alley in downtown Aiken or by visiting a signing.

The cost of the book is $39.95 with all proceeds benefiting the Center for African American History, Art and Culture. In case you missed Thursday's event, there will be a book signing at the Smith Hazel Center on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until noon, on Aug. 23 at 2 p.m. at Aiken Office Supply and on Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. at Banksia.

Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com

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