As part of The 100 Black Men of Austin, Inc.’s Cultural Competency Initiative and in honor of Black History Month, the organization will welcome inspirational speaker, author and former professional baseball player, Chris Singleton. Singleton became a nationally renowned speaker with a message of resilience, forgiveness and unity following the loss of his mother in the 2015 Mother Emanuel Church tragedy in Charleston, SC. where nine black bible study participants were killed by a self proclaimed white supremacist. Chris’s speech on overcoming hate with love has gotten him featured on Lifetime, ESPN E:60, USA Today, CNN, and Fox News.
His first children’s books, Different – A Story About Loving Your Neighbor, has been featured by numerous outlets, including The Obama Foundation. His newest book, Your Life Matters, is equal parts homage to historical and contemporary Black figures and a reminder of the greatness that lives within each child. It reassures children everywhere that no matter what they hear, no matter what they experience, no matter what they’re told, their lives matter.
Singleton’s Austin appearance, sponsored by 100 Black Men of Austin, Inc. and hosted by Black Pearl Books – a local, black-owned bookstore, will include a book donation to the Austin Public Library, book readings at three local elementary schools along with free books distributed to the students. Singleton will also speak to a group of local High School students, and a group of student athletes at Huston-Tillotson University.
“Chris’s story of overcoming hate with love, is a message we all need to hear. His life is an example of how love can break barriers and unite people, and that is an inspiration for any age.” Said Karl Spencer, President, 100 Black Men of Austin, Inc., “We are excited to once again partner with Black Pearl Books on our Cultural Competency Initiative where the goal is to increase literacy, make reading fun for kids, support teachers by providing resources to engage with their students, and distribute culturally relevant books.”
Soulciti Article – https://soulciti.com/100-black-men-giving-away-700-books-with-black-pearl-books/
Fox News Segment – https://fox7austin.com/news/after-losing-his-mom-in-church-shooting-author-chris-singleton-stops-in-austin-to-inspire-students
