History is often more present than we realize. At The Frunchroom, we look back often because it tells us how to move forward. Claire Hartfield‘s work is very much in that spirit and it’s why we’re so glad she’s joining us this Tuesday at Beverly Arts Center.
Claire is a nationally recognized children’s book author and education leader. Her book Me and Uncle Romie (Dial Books for Young Children 2002), is a historical fiction picture book based on the life and art of world-renowned collage artist, Romare Bearden. The book received national honors (favorable review in the NYT Book Review, Smithsonian Magazine Notable Book of the Year, Junior Library Guild Choice, one of New York Public Library’s 100 Books for Reading and Sharing) and has been reprinted in three textbooks.
Her newest book, A Few Red Drops (Clarion Books) tells the story of the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 and how the building tensions and conflicting interests exploded in bloodshed that sent shock waves across the nation.
Claire’s career has centered on providing underprivileged children with opportunity to achieve their potential through education. After graduating from Yale University and University of Chicago Law School, she oversaw development of school desegregation plans for the cities of Chicago and Rockford, Illinois. More recently, she led a non-profit organization that develops leaders for elementary and secondary education. She is currently Board Chair and a senior consultant for one of Chicago’s highest performing charter schools.
Claire is a lifelong resident of Chicago and a current resident of Hyde Park. At this edition of The Frunchroom, she’ll read excerpts from A Few Red Drops that give insights into both the Irish and Black communities – circumstances that caused tensions, ultimately leading to the 1919 race riot.
Join Claire and the rest of our readers this Tuesday at 730pm at the Beverly Arts Center – presented by the Beverly Area Arts Alliance.
Tuesday, September 25th, 730pm, Beverly Arts Center. $5 donation requested to benefit the Beverly Area Arts Alliance.
The Frunchroom 