Graphic Novelist Depicts American Hero's 'March' Toward Equal Rights

The New York Times best-selling graphic novelist Nate Powell visit SUNY Old Westbury on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 to discuss his work on the memoirs of John Lewis, a Congressman and renowned civil rights activist. “March,” written by Lewis, Andrew Aydin and illustrated by Powell, was selected as the First-Year Experience common reading for more than 380 students. Powell was joined by Calvin Reid, the senior news editor for Publishers Weekly magazine and 25-year veteran of the industry, for the presentation and Q&A with students, faculty and staff.

The assigned two-part graphic memoir chronicles Lewis’ lifelong contributions to the civil rights movement, and provides a vivid first-hand account of his participation in nonviolent demonstrations including the 1963 March on Washington with Martin Luther King Jr., and the eradication of educational segregation. Powell’s work, which has received a Robert F. Kennedy Book Award, an Eisner Award, and a Coretta Scott King Author Award, has been placed on school curriculums in more than 40 states, and colleges nationwide. Prior to his presentation, Powell met with a select group of first-year students who were chosen for the quality of their reflective essays on the topic.

“We’re excited that our annual common reading selection coincides well with the theme of our College’s 50th Anniversary celebration,” said Laura Anker, First-Year Experience director. “The book’s subject, John Lewis, is as strong and memorable a voice for the empowerment movement as this country has ever produced.”

Powell’s engaging discussion and book-signing event preludes a visit from Congressman Lewis to the College later in the academic year. Both events are sponsored by SUNY Old Westbury’s 50th Anniversary, “A Celebration of Educational Leadership and Empowerment.”

To find out more about the Office of First-Year Experience or the 50th Anniversary events, visit www.oldwestbury.edu.