Davis Participates in Reading Program
January 14, 2003
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David Shephard, from the Multnomah County Outreach Program, led the discussion along with Davis. Before begining the dicussion on A Lesson Before Dying, Shephard asked participants to reveal their favorite book. Davis informed the group that his favorite book was Roots, by author Alex Haley.
"Roots is a deep book, with a deep subject", Davis said.
The discussion was centered on A Lesson Before Dying , which is set in Louisiana in the 1940s. It depicts an innocent young black man sentenced to death and the community’s efforts to rise above the injustice and exhibit dignity, humanity and understanding. Davis lead the group, which was made up mostly of members from The Prospective Gents Club for African American high school boys.
Shepard used a study guide as a tool in leading the discussion and asked participants various questions regarding their personal perspectives of the book.
Davis joined in by listening to the other participants, reflecting his own opinions and asking questions such as, "What do you think kept him going throughout the ordeal?"
Davis encouraged participants to share their thoughts as well as talk about what they could take from the book. He shared his own ideas about falsely accused people and the need for true justice. He also talked about his own experience growing up in the deep South.
Adults and teens are invited to read A Lesson Before Dying and to participate in over fifty "Everybody Reads" events including discussions, film screenings, performances and community forums.
On February 5, Ernest J. Gaines will give a public talk at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Tickets to this event are $15 general admission (available from FASTIXX at 1.800.992.TIXX) and $40 patron, which includes priority seating and admission to an author reception.
Additional information about "Everybody Reads" - including a full schedule of events and more details about A Lesson Before Dying can be found at www.multcolib.org/reads/.
View photo galleryDavid Shephard, from the Multnomah County Outreach Program, led the discussion along with Davis. Before begining the dicussion on A Lesson Before Dying, Shephard asked participants to reveal their favorite book. Davis informed the group that his favorite book was Roots, by author Alex Haley.
"Roots is a deep book, with a deep subject", Davis said.
The discussion was centered on A Lesson Before Dying , which is set in Louisiana in the 1940s. It depicts an innocent young black man sentenced to death and the community’s efforts to rise above the injustice and exhibit dignity, humanity and understanding. Davis lead the group, which was made up mostly of members from The Prospective Gents Club for African American high school boys.
Shepard used a study guide as a tool in leading the discussion and asked participants various questions regarding their personal perspectives of the book.
Davis joined in by listening to the other participants, reflecting his own opinions and asking questions such as, "What do you think kept him going throughout the ordeal?"
Davis encouraged participants to share their thoughts as well as talk about what they could take from the book. He shared his own ideas about falsely accused people and the need for true justice. He also talked about his own experience growing up in the deep South.
Adults and teens are invited to read A Lesson Before Dying and to participate in over fifty "Everybody Reads" events including discussions, film screenings, performances and community forums.
On February 5, Ernest J. Gaines will give a public talk at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Tickets to this event are $15 general admission (available from FASTIXX at 1.800.992.TIXX) and $40 patron, which includes priority seating and admission to an author reception.
Additional information about "Everybody Reads" - including a full schedule of events and more details about A Lesson Before Dying can be found at www.multcolib.org/reads/.
