||| FROM SAM GAILEY for ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY |||
Growing up white in Washington state, Barbara Hilyer’s dad never told her anything about his family, except that his mother was “crazy.” Ten years after his death, she learned his sister was living in Hawai’i. Discovering “the family secret” introduced her to the concept of passing, and the complex nature of race and identity.
This story challenges America’s oversimplified view of race and explores how different individuals across generations pursued all available avenues of opportunity to define their lives in a race-conscious society. American history is not white history, although it has been presented that way. The times call for a truth telling.
Join us for this compelling, complex conversation at the Orcas Island Public Library. Thursday, July 25th, 6:30pm.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
