and the place was packed. Well…the Enoch Pratt Central Library stays packed most of the time though, but not packed with the potentates and politicians that were there tonight.
A good mix of people were present tonight at the library to buy, see, and hear from noted author, Taylor Branch. Branch is very well known for his work on the America during the Civil Rights Years. His work on Dr. King comes highly recommended.
After driving around the library a few times trying to find a parking space, I walked into the library and was taken aback a bit because the crowd was right in front of me on the main floor of the library. I knew it would be difficult to find a seat, but I managed to find one all the way in the back and then I spotted one a little closer up and moved. It turns out that I moved to the row where one of my Young Clergy for Social Change Brothers was sitting.
Black, White, Old, Young, Educated, and “Edumacated” were all in the room to hear from this man. Dr. Frank Reid, pastor of Bethel AME Church, was brought to the mic and he introduced Mr. Branch. The program started promptly. Before you knew it Taylor Branch was up at the microphone. The speakers were set, the cameras were rolling, the crowd was hushed and Taylor Branch began to speak about his journey toward the completion of his latest book, At Canaan’s Edge: America during the King Years, 1965-68. NPR provides a nice analysis of this book and some really interesting audio excerpts of Branch speaking on various aspects concerning King.
Surprisingly, Branch only spoke for about 20 minutes and then went to his desk to autograph books. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed. I thought Branch would delve more into his work and his opinions. However, the night was not totally lost. As I said, my YCSC brother was there so we went to say hello to a stalwart in the religious circles of Baltimore in the person of Reverend Marion Bascom.
Kamal and I chatted briefly with Rev. Bascom about Young Clergy for Social Change and then were blessed to take a picture with him. And THIS was the highlight of my night. (can’t you tell – a brotha is cheesin’)
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