August 1, 2001 Author Roger Wilkins to Discuss His Recent Book at the Library of Congress, September 25

Writer, historian, and civil rights activist Roger Wilkins will discuss his latest book, Jefferson's Pillow: The Founding Fathers and the Dilemma of Black Patriotism, at the Library of Congress on Tuesday, September 25, at noon. The presentation is sponsored by the Humanities and Social Sciences Division and will take place in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the Library's James Madison Memorial Building. It is free and open to the public.

In Jefferson's Pillow, Mr. Wilkins combines a historical and personal examination of Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and Mason and their attitudes toward race and slavery in the context of their desire to found a nation based on freedom and equality. In this eloquent work, he explores the complex legacy of racism, his own work to improve our society, and the notion of patriotism in contemporary culture. A compelling speaker, Mr. Wilkins is a frequent commentator on National Public Radio and conceived, wrote, and narrated two Frontline documentaries.

Roger Wilkins is currently Clarence J. Robinson Professor of History and American Culture at George Washington University. He won a Pulitzer Prize for Watergate coverage at The Washington Post and has published articles and columns in dozens of magazines, as well as two previous books: A Man's Life and Quiet Riots. A former Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice, Mr. Wilkins has served on numerous boards, including the NAACP and the Africa-America Institute, and as a Commissioner on the Citizens' Commission on Civil Rights. He became a member of the school board of the District of Columbia this year.

The Humanities and Social Sciences Division provides reference service and collection development in the Main, Local History and Genealogy, and Microform Reading Rooms at the Library of Congress. It regularly sponsors programs in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.