On October 8th, 2020, The Center for Reconciliation was excited to welcome author J. Chester Johnson for a virtual presentation on and discussion of his recent publication, Damaged Heritage: The Elaine Race Massacre and A Story of Reconciliation.
An illuminating journey to racial reconciliation experienced by two Americans – one Black and one white – Damaged Heritage examines how white Americans’ excessive reverence of the past permits the damaged heritage of racism to be transferred from generation to generation. It also offers a blueprint for how our society can at last acknowledge – and repudiate – damaged heritage and begin a path toward true healing.
A well-known poet, essayist, and translator from the Arkansas side of the Mississippi River Delta, Johnson has written extensively on race and civil rights, including composing the Litany for the Episcopal Church’s National Day of Repentance for its role in transatlantic slavery and related evils.
View a video of the presentation below.
Hosted by The Center for Reconciliation
J. Chester Johnson Interviewed by Tavis Smiley
Cornelius Eady's Interview of J. Chester Johnson for Poets House/WBAI "Open House" Program
NPR Article on Elaine and Tulsa Race Massacres
Favorable Review of "Damaged Heritage" in Current Issue of American Book Review
Damaged Heritage Placed On Selective Goodreads’ List of Best Nonfiction Books
Damaged Heritage Motivates Nationwide Talks on Social Justice and Racial Equity
J. Chester Johnson Writes in the ARKANSAS TIMES About Another Arkansas Race Massacre
Video of J. Chester Johnson’s presentation at Johnson House Historic Site (Underground Railroad).
Book Review from Green Mountains Review of "Damaged Heritage"
Flying Into the Unpredictable: Publishing During a Pandemic
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: Remembering the Elaine Massacre
Cornelius Eady and J. Chester Johnson Discuss Their 9/11 Poetry On BCR’s Inaugural Poetry Podcast
LitHub: J. Chester Johnson Interviewed for ‘Keen On’ Podcast About Damaged Heritage
Literary Hub Shares Excerpt From Damaged Heritage by J. Chester Johnson
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