Art and Culture in “The Other Book” Series

“The Other Book” series, Part II, will be held at the Matheson History Museum, beginning on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

There will be four lectures, one per month. For information on all programs, which extend through April 2026, click on this link: “The Other Book.”

The first lecture, Arts and Culture, will be presented by Dr. Ryan Travis. All programs are free and open to the public, but please scan the QR code in the image below right to register for the Arts and Culture lecture.

As the series flyer explains, “Before schools were integrated, Black teachers taught from two books; the official government sanctioned books and ‘The Other Book’ written by Black authors about the realities of the Black experience.”

Controversial new standards for teaching Black history in Florida’s public schools were approved in 2023. In response to this change, Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar stated:

“How can our students ever be equipped for the future if they don’t have a full, honest picture of where we’ve come from? Florida’s students deserve a world-class education that equips them to be successful adults who can help heal our nation’s divisions rather than deepen them.”

Writers are encouraged to take advantage of this free educational opportunity about Black history. The courses are free, although a donation of $5 per class is appreciated. Registering is suggested but not required.

Last year’s lectures (Part I) were held at four different locations: the Harn Museum, City Hall, Haile Plantation Homestead, and the Cotton Club. WAG member Michelle Dunlap was a featured speaker at City Hall. Several WAG members attended the various lectures. WAG member Kathy Dobronyi, a retired history teacher, praised “The Other Book” series because of its ability to humanize history.