U.S. History that All Writers Should Know – by Dr. Rik Stevenson

WAG’s Sunday, July 13, program with Dr. Rik Stevenson is the perfect follow-up to our historical Fannie Lou Hamer presentation by Pamela D. Marshall and the WAG/GFAA “Hidden Histories” exhibit at the Gainesville Fine Art Association’s gallery.

Stevenson’s presentation will discuss the concept of the “Other Book” and underrepresented historical knowledge that, when surfaced, allows writers to engage in expanded and deeper research, creating more accurate storytelling and writing.

Before schools were integrated, Black teachers taught from two books: the official book sanctioned by the government and the “other book,” which taught the truth about Black experiences and other untold accurate histories. Sometimes, one must dig deeper and go to the source material to learn the truth of our shared pasts to make our writing stronger and more accurate.

Without accurate and accessible history, our writing may lack the depth and authenticity that attracts a broader audience. Dr. Stevenson’s presentation will provide a few of his favorite research techniques and community engagement strategies for securing greater and more accurate historical and contemporary knowledge and awareness—methods that can create deeper understandings and compassions, and thus more story depth, for writers who envision the building of highly believable characters and plots with whom wide audiences want to engage.

Stevenson’s presentation will also provide a platform for writers, authors, and aspiring authors to raise questions about the awareness and interconnectedness of history, culture, and economics, and how such awareness can bring greater depth to our characters, character arcs, plots, etc. When writers leave this experience, they will likely see a familiar world with new eyes, awareness, and understanding that can help them more deeply create and bring richer stories into shared futures.

Stevenson is a historian. He holds a PhD from Michigan State University in African American and African Studies. His research focus is the Middle Passage, suicide, and West and West Central African Cosmologies. He holds two Master’s degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Doctorate of Divinity in African American Church History. As a speaker, he is highly sought after for his cultural competency, knowledge, and skills. He teaches courses in Black Theology and African American Church History. He’s an Assistant Instructional Professor at the University of Florida. As a certified scuba diver, he has worked with Diving With A Purpose, seeking insight on the Slave Ship Guerrero.