ABHM Book Club Presents: A Lynching in the Heartland by James H. Madison
We will be reading A Lynching in the Heartland by James H. Madison, and discussing it virtually on August 22nd at 6 PM via Zoom; this will be in conjunction with a traveling exhibit on anti-lynching art, which opens at ABHM on August 7th.
Discover the turbulent history of America’s racial struggles with James H. Madison’s powerful work, A Lynching in the Heartland: Race and Memory in America. This meticulously researched book casts a spotlight on the haunting events of 1930 in Marion, Indiana, where the brutal lynching of Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith shocked the nation. Madison skillfully unravels the complexities of racial violence in a Northern town, exploring how deeply entrenched prejudices and systemic injustices manifested even outside the Jim Crow South. Through vivid storytelling and scholarly analysis, Madison invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths about race relations in America and the enduring legacy of racial terror.
“A Lynching in the Heartland” goes beyond a mere historical account; it is a profound exploration of memory, justice, and the struggle for civil rights. Madison meticulously examines the role of media sensationalism in shaping public perception and perpetuating racial stereotypes, providing a critical lens through which to understand the impact of media on racial discourse then and now. The book also delves into the aftermath of the Marion lynching, illustrating its profound impact on the African American community and its catalytic role in the fight for racial equality. Madison’s narrative challenges readers to reflect on how historical injustices continue to reverberate in contemporary society, urging us to confront the complexities of race and memory with empathy and understanding.
As a seminal work in American history and racial studies, “A Lynching in the Heartland” offers invaluable insights into the persistence of racial violence and the ongoing struggle for justice. Madison’s compelling prose and meticulous research make this book essential reading for anyone passionate about understanding the roots of racial inequality and the quest for a more just society. Engaging, thought-provoking, and deeply resonant, “A Lynching in the Heartland” is a testament to the resilience of communities in the face of adversity and a call to action for a more inclusive and equitable future.
About ABHM Book Club:
America’s Black Holocaust Museum’s founder, Dr. James Cameron, was an avid reader and inspiring writer and educator. To this day, he is the only known survivor of a lynching to write and publish a memoir about such an experience. We have created this book club program in his honor. You can sign up for our book club and see past selections at www.abhmuseum.org.
The ABHM Book Club is free and open to all who are able to attend, although the books will need to be purchased by each participant. You can purchase a copies from Milwaukee’s independent booksellers, such as @boswellbookco , @nichebookbarllc , and @lionstoothmke. If you are having trouble finding a copy, please email admin@abhmuseum.org.