Black Was the Ink With Author Michelle Coles

Celebrate Black History Month

Michelle Coles discusses her award-winning book Black Was the Ink, a powerful coming-of-age story and an eye-opening exploration of the Reconstruction era that defined modern America.

Black Was the Ink is the story of Malcolm, a Black teen from D.C., whose mom is worried about his safety over the summer and sends him to stay with his father’s family on their farm in Mississippi. Part of the farm had been taken through eminent domain for a highway some years prior and now the state is threatening to take the rest of it even though there is an option to take some of the farm across the road. Malcolm isn’t all that worried about it until he is transported back in time to the Reconstruction era as his ancestor Cedric, an aide to Senator Hiram Revels, one of the first Black members of Congress. Malcolm and readers learn about the Black heroes of the period and how to advocate in the present. 

The event is presented by Calvert Library in partnership with Maryland Libraries Together. Streamed online on Calvert Library's YouTube channel.

This event is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services & Technology Act administered by the Maryland State Library Agency.

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