Patricia Hruby Powell, an award-winning young-adult author and Illinois alumna, will provide the third reading and discussion for the Illini Union Bookstore reading series marking the University of Illinois’ 150th year.
Powell will read and discuss her latest book, “Loving vs. Virginia,” Tuesday, April 18, at 4:30 p.m. in the Authors Corner on the second floor of the Illini Union Bookstore, 809 S. Wright St., Champaign. The reading will be followed by a question-and-answer session, a book signing and a meet and greet. The event is free and open to the public.
“Loving vs. Virginia” is the story of a landmark civil rights case. In 1955, in Caroline County, Virginia, amidst segregation and prejudice, injustice and cruelty, two teenagers fell in love. Richard and Mildred Loving were at the heart of a Supreme Court case that legalized marriage between races. The book tells the story of a devoted couple who faced discrimination, fought it and won.
Powell has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance and a Master of Science in library and information science, both from Illinois. She has worked as a dancer and choreographer, a librarian, and a composition teacher. Her previous work, “Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker,” won a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award and a Coretta Scott King Book Award.
