Nikole Hannah-Jones, "The 1619 Project" Paperback Release Celebration.

Doors Open at 6:00pm. Event Begins: 6:30pm

About the Book:

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAACP IMAGE AWARD WINNER • A dramatic expansion of a groundbreaking work of journalism, The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story offers a profoundly revealing vision of the American past and present. “[A] groundbreaking compendium . . . bracing and urgent . . . This collection is an extraordinary update to an ongoing project of vital truth-telling.”—Esquire NOW AN EMMY-NOMINATED HULU ORIGINAL DOCUSERIES • FINALIST FOR THE KIRKUS PRIZE.

In late August 1619, a ship arrived in the British colony of Virginia bearing a cargo of twenty to thirty enslaved people from Africa. Their arrival led to the barbaric and unprecedented system of American chattel slavery that would last for the next 250 years. This is sometimes referred to as the country’s original sin, but it is more than that: It is the source of so much that still defines the United States. The New York Times Magazine’s award-winning “1619 Project” issue reframed our understanding of American history by placing slavery and its continuing legacy at the center of our national narrative. This bestselling book substantially expands on that work, weaving together eighteen essays that show how the inheritance of 1619 reaches into every part of contemporary American society, from politics, music, diet, traffic, and citizenship to capitalism, religion, and our democracy itself. Thirty-six poems and works of fiction further illuminate key moments of oppression, struggle, and resistance. This is a book that speaks directly to our current moment, contextualizing the systems of race and caste within which we operate today. It reveals long-glossed-over truths around our nation’s founding and construction—and the way that the legacy of slavery did not end with emancipation, but continues to shape contemporary American life.

Origination Story:

The 1619 Project is an ongoing initiative from The New York Times Magazine that began in August 2019, the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery. It aims to reframe the country's history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of our national narrative. It is led by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, along with New York Times Magazine editor-in-chief Jake Silverstein and editors Ilena Silverman and Caitlin Roper.

About the Conversation Partner:

Rev. Dr. David K. Brawley, Lead Pastor of St. Paul Community Baptist Church (SPCBC) in East New York, Brooklyn, has dedicated nearly three decades to empowering his congregation and community. He is a visionary leader deeply committed to social justice, community empowerment, and spiritual transformation. He leads initiatives like the Commemoration of the MAAFA, fostering healing and understanding of the African experience in America.

The MAAFA, an annual tribute, delves into the historical trauma of African-Americans, seeking to illuminate their identity, history, and ongoing struggles. Rev. Brawley's innovative approach revitalized the program, transforming it into a powerful theatrical experience. He expanded its reach by organizing speaker series featuring prominent voices in social justice, fostering dialogue and awareness.

Beyond spiritual enrichment, Rev. Brawley's impact extends to tangible community development. He has been instrumental in East Brooklyn Congregations' efforts to provide over 5000 affordable homes, notably through the Nehemiah Spring Creek development. His advocacy for education led to the establishment of Imagine Me Leadership Charter School, addressing the pressing need for quality education in the area.

Rev. Brawley's multifaceted leadership exemplifies a holistic approach to ministry, blending spiritual nourishment with social activism and community building. Through his tireless dedication, he continues to empower individuals, uplift communities, and foster a legacy of compassion and equity.