UCHS students to discuss 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
It is the 50th anniversary of the ‘coming of age’ classic
Enjoy the classics. That is exactly what UCHS students will do thanks to a generous donation of books from Washington University.
Fifty copies of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” and Ernest Gaines’ “A Lesson before Dying” were distributed to interested University City High School students as part of an effort to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the “coming of age” film “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
The public is welcome to join students discuss the classic tale at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11 in the University City Library auditorium, located at 6701 Delmar Blvd.
Abigail Horne, Washington University’s postdoctoral fellow, will lead the discussion. Horne is an expert in 19th and 20th century American and African-American literature. She is also knowledgeable about American film. More specifically, her area of focus includes lynching narratives, race relations and critical race theory.
“We are excited to encourage our students to engage with the larger community and to put their discussion and analysis skills into practice in a public forum,” said Declan FitzPatrick, coordinator of communication arts and social studies for the School District of University City.
“The generous donation from Wash U. will allow them to add books to their personal libraries and share the books with others.”
After the lively discussion, the public is also invited to view the film, free of charge, at 8:15 p.m. on Sept. 15 at Fogerty Park.
The discussion and screening is possible thanks to a collaborative partnership between the School District of University City, Washington University and University City.
