Authors! with Carol Moseley Braun

The Toledo Lucas County Public Library is thrilled to welcome Carol Moseley Braun to Toledo!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In TRAILBLAZER, Moseley Braun details her stormy childhood in post-World War II Chicago up to her many firsts since entering politics in the 1970s, shattering ceilings and making history: The first Black woman ever elected to the Senate. The first Black woman on the Senate Judiciary committee. The first woman to represent the state of Illinois in Congress. The first Black woman to serve as a U.S Ambassador to New Zealand.

Yet her journey to Capitol Hill and to international renown was not an easy one, rife with obstacles, controversies, and lessons learned. In this memoir, Moseley Braun candidly shares the story of her extraordinary life in a fascinating narrative filled with poignant, powerful, and sometimes funny stories. Born into a family of New Orleans jazz musicians and Alabama farmers whose history of activism and military service dates back to the Civil War, Moseley Braun talks about her remarkable life including:

· Marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and her engagement during the civil rights, women’s and Black Power movements

· How her unusual encounter with a bird catapulted her into politics

·How Gloria Steinem, Maya Angelou and Hollywood celebrities supported her groundbreaking Senate campaign

· Passionately filibustering against the Confederate Flag on the Senate floor

· The friendships and alliances made throughout her storied career, from Joe Biden to Hillary Clinton and Ted Kennedy

· Running for president as the lone woman in a field of men

· How meeting icons Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela and Dr. Dorothy Height inspired her

TRAILBLAZER is a story of perseverance, a moving narrative from a once-in-a-generation icon, steeped in the history of our nation. Carol Moseley Braun offers readers her uniquely American story and an optimistic letter to future generations on the work we have done and have yet to do, to ensure that the United States lives up to the promise of liberty and justice for all.

“My life has been filled with serendipity, adventure, and adversity,” said Carol Moseley Braun, who was sworn in as Chair of the United States African Development Foundation in 2024. “Every experience has been anchored by my strong faith in God.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carol Moseley Braun served as the first African American woman in the U.S. Senate from 1993 to 1999. In the Senate, her legislative initiatives ran the gamut from championing women’s health to civil rights. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Illinois and received a Juris Doctorate from the University of Chicago. Following law school, one of her earliest positions was as an Assistant United States Attorney, where she garnered the Attorney General's Special Achievement Award. Carol is a frequent on-air guest political analyst and has been featured in numerous broadcasts, radio podcasts, and profiles.

A devoted mother and proud grandmother of twins, she faithfully serves on the Consecration Committee for the Episcopal Diocese. This is her first book, written in collaboration with award-winning journalist Donna M. Owens.

ABOUT THE PRESENTATION: There will be a forty-five minute moderated conversation followed by a brief audience question and answer.

Can tickets be purchased by phone? No, tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite only.

What are my parking options at the event? The facility has a free parking garage. The garage entrance is located on Adams St.

What time do the doors open? General admission seating starts at 6:30 p.m.

Are there assigned seats? No. Seating is general admission, but the purchase of a ticket does guarantee you a seat.

Is handicapped seating available? Handicapped seating is available. For special seating arrangements, please call 419.259.5199 at least one week prior to the event.

Will an American Sign Language Interpreter be provided for the event? We are happy to provide an ASL Interpreter for the event - if you require this service, please contact us at 419.259.5199 at least two weeks before the event so arrangements can be made.

What can/can't I bring to the event? Please do not bring outside food/beverages. There is no video recording or flash photography allowed.

Will the author hold a book signing after the talk? Yes, the author will be available for a limited signing opportunity after the presentation.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions? Call the Library at 419.259.5200.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? Yes, tickets will be scanned at the door. If you choose to utilize your mobile device, tickets can be scanned via your Eventbrite email receipt. Note: Screenshots/captures of the ticket receipt cannot be scanned. Please have your device with the ticket receipt open and available for scanning at entry.

Can I get my book if I don’t attend the event? Books may only be obtained at the event. If you are unable to attend, you may have someone else pick it up at the event, but they must have your ticket in hard copy or on their device.

What is the refund policy? Tickets will be refunded only if the event is canceled.

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