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Meet Michelle Coles, Author of "Black Was the Ink"

MD Libraries Together and Calvert Library are excited to present Michelle Coles to help celebrate Black History Month 2025.

 Ms. Coles, a civil rights attorney, wrote the award-winning young adult book Black Was the Ink, a very readable story that brings history and contemporary issues to life in a very discussable way. In person at Calvert Library - Prince Frederick, books will be available for sale and signing. The event will also be streamed online on Calvert Library's YouTube channel.

Due to limited space, please register if you will be attending in person at Calvert Library - Prince Frederick to meet Ms. Coles. 

The story features Malcolm, a Black teen from DC, 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 learn how to advocate in the present. This is an entertaining and inspiring read for both teens and adults and you’ll undoubtedly learn something new, too!

Place Black Was the Ink on hold. Borrow the ebook with no wait from Libby today!

For accessibility accommodations, please contact us at least 2 weeks before the event. 410-535-0291.