SPEAK Panel Discussion: A Fever in the Heartland

at First Presbyterian Church - 609 SE Second Street

Join us for a panel discussion on Timothy Egan's "A Fever in the Heartland" at First Presbyterian Church. The panel will discuss the book as we prepare for Mr. Egan's visit on March 19.

The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library invites you to a panel book discussion on Timothy Egan's A Fever in the Heartland, focusing on the historical and contemporary impact of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), racism, and faith in Evansville, Indiana. The event will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 609 SE Second St. in Evansville, and is free and open to the public.

This group will bring their unique perspectives on how the rise of the KKK in the 1920s shaped the social and cultural fabric of Evansville, as well as the broader implications of racism and the role of faith in navigating these challenges.

PANELISTS

Dr. Daniel Byrne
Professor of History
University of Evansville

Dr. Byrne received his Bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Notre Dame and his Doctorate from Georgetown University. Before joining the faculty at UE in 2005, he taught at Georgetown, the U.S. Naval Academy, Francis Marion University, the University of Notre Dame, and Bradley University. Since arriving at UE, Dr. Byrne has taught courses on the history of United States foreign policy, the American Civil War and Reconstruction, America between the Wars, Cold War America, the Decolonization of Africa, the rise of Modern China and Japan, and first year seminars on American Social Welfare policy.

Rev. Mary Beth McCandless
Pastor
First Presbyterian Church

Pastor Mary Beth earned her Master of Divinity Degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Western Kentucky University. She also completed a Concentration in Educational Ministry while at LPTS. Previously, she served two churches in northwest Ohio. She served as committee assistant for the Race, Sexuality, and Gender Justice Committee for this year’s Presbyterian General Assembly in Salt Lake City and as a delegate to the 225th General Assembly in Louisville.

Dr. Mary (MT) Hallock Morris
Associate Professor of Political Science
University of Southern Indiana

Dr. Morris is an associate professor of political science at USI, teaching courses in national, state, and local politics as well as in public policy and administration. Dr. Morris’s interests include the intersection of political history with current policy; free speech, civility and information literacy in the public arena; and environmental politics.

Gerald Summers
Retired Director of Safety and Security, EVSC
Former EPD police officer, EVSC Board of School Trustees member

Gerald Summers is a former officer of the Evansville Police Department, a former member of the EVSC Board of School Trustees, and retired as the Director of Safety and Security for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation. A dedicated advocate for equal rights and opportunities, he has worked tirelessly to promote justice and unity in our community. As a descendant of enslaved people who fought for their freedom, and as a Black man in an interracial marriage, Gerald brings a powerful personal perspective to discussions about race, equality, and overcoming division.

MODERATOR        

Watez G. Phelps, Sr.
Past President
University of Evansville African American Alumni Association

Watez has served in a number of leadership, hosting and moderator roles in Evansville.  In his professional career, he served as the College Access Advisor Oakland City University, as well as Program Chair and Associate Professor Ivy Tech Community College, and adjunct faculty at the University of Evansville. For eight years, Watez co-hosted alongside the late Alice Weathers on two popular urban radio shows on WEOA radio 98.5:  Drumbeat and And So It Goes. He’s also a former NAACP Education Committee Chairman, the Founding Board Secretary for the Evansville African American Museum, and twice served as the moderator for the Evansville Human Relations Mayor's Celebration of Diversity Awards Commission Annual Dinner.

ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

The discussion will explore the historical roots of the Klan's presence in the region, its influence on local communities, and how these issues continue to resonate in modern Evansville and in modern times across all places. Panelists will also examine the role of faith-based organizations and leaders in combating racial injustice and fostering unity in a community torn by racial divisions.

This event offers a rare opportunity for community members to reflect on the past, understand its lasting effects, and engage in a dialogue about how we can move forward together in creating a more inclusive and just society. The panel discussion will encourage attendees to ask tough questions and participate in meaningful conversations that promote understanding and healing.

Don't miss this chance to engage with history, faith, and social justice in Evansville.

HEAR FROM THE AUTHOR ON MARCH 19

Join us for the SPEAK presentation featuring the author, Timothy Egan, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, again at First Presbyterian in downtown Evansville, presented by the EVPL Foundation. Learn more about this at www.evpl.org/speak2025. 

Please contact Programming@evpl.org with questions.

DISCLAIMER:  Due to the sensitive nature of some topics explored in the book, this discussion may not be suitable for all audiences. Some topics of the discussion may trigger prior traumas or difficult experiences for some individuals. We encourage audience members to feel welcome to step away from the discussion as necessary.

JOIN US FOR MORE RELATED EVENTS

Click on the event for more information.

Upcoming events