Carrying the Torch

"Carrying the Torch," the first program in the Batavia Public Library's New Lyceum Lecture Series 2017-18 season, will be presented at 7 p.m., October 16, at the library.

While most Americans are familiar with the triumphs of Jesse Owens at the 1936 Summer Olympics, few are aware that dozens of African Americans competed in the Olympics from 1896 to 1948. This presentation seeks to shed light on these neglected pioneers and examines their contribution to the Civil Rights Movement.

Dr. Stanley Arnold is an associate professor of History at Northern Illinois University and author of Building the Beloved Community: Philadelphia's Interracial Civil Rights Organizations, 1930-1970. Arnold teaches courses in public history, 20th century American history, African American history, and sports history.

The program is free of charge and sponsored by the Batavia Public Library Foundation.

Please register online or call the Batavia Public Library Reference Desk, (630) 879-1393, ext. 200.