NC Reads: The American Queen

North Carolina Reads annually features five books that explore issues of racial, social and gender equity and the history and culture of North Carolina. Join us as we discuss these five books that pose critical questions about how North Carolinians view their role in helping to form a more just and inclusive society. 

March 8 - The American Queen by Vanessa Miller 

• Fiction - Meet the queen of Happy Land. Transformative and breathtakingly honest, The American Queen is based on actual events that occurred between 1865-1889 and shares the unsung history of a Black woman who built a kingdom in Appalachia as a refuge for the courageous people who dared to dream of a different way of life. When the honorable Reverend William finally listens to Louella’s pleas and leads the formerly enslaved people out of their plantation, Louella begins to feel hope. Soon, William and Louella become the appointed king and queen of their self-proclaimed Kingdom of the Happy Land. And though they are still surrounded by opposition, they continue to share a message of joy and goodness–and fight for the freedom and dignity of all. 

For a free copy of the book, please contact Amanda Dekker at 910-483-7727 ext. 1344 or adekker@cumberlandcountync.gov. 

North Carolina Humanities' North Carolina Reads is a statewide book club exploring issues of racial, social and gender equity and the history and culture of North Carolina. North Carolina Humanities is a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, opinions or recommendations expressed do not necessarily represent those of NC Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities. 

For more information about this program, please call 910-483-7727 ext. 1345.