Jimerson to present book "Shattered Glass in Birmingham" Oct. 30

Rand Jimerson, professor of history and director of the Archives and Records Management master's program at Western Washington University, will kick off this year's Western Libraries Reading Series by presenting his new book, "Shattered Glass in Birmingham: My Family's Fight for Civil Rights, 1961-1964."

The book traces the experiences of a white northern family during the climax of the civil rights movement in Alabama's largest city. Recounted primarily from Jimerson's perspective as one of five children of Reverend Norman C. Jim Jimerson, executive director of the Alabama Council on Human Relations, the narrative explores the public and private impact of the civil rights struggle. Based on extensive archival research as well as oral histories, "Shattered Glass in Birmingham" offers the reader a ground-level view of prejudice, discrimination, violence and courage.

Jimerson will deliver his presentation at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, in Western Libraries Special Collections (Wilson Library 6th Floor).

For more information, contact Margaret.Fast@wwu.edu.