Song of Redemption: A Cultural Discussion From a Black Male Perspective
Book and cultural discussion with author Malika J. Stevely, moderated by upcoming podcast hosts and “Bro-hams Book Club” members.
Meet the former reporter and author, Malika J. Stevely, who utilized her journalism skills to research a 163-year-old mystery only to later create, Song of Redemption.
Inspired by true events, a media frenzy ensues when the remains of an enslaved songstress are discovered in the wall of a Louisiana Creole mansion. Through a former slave, reporters learn the secrets surrounding the songstress’ fate.
Moderated by Kevin Gantt and Joey Anderson of the “Bro-hams Book Club” and upcoming podcast, we will take a deep dive into the perspective of the Black male in America and how Song of Redemption reflects areas of their sentiments. Celebrate reading and historical fiction with Malika J. Stevely. Learn about her creative process, and inspiration while gaining writing tips along the way. Q&A will follow the presentation. You do not need to have read the book in order to attend.
About Kevin Gantt
Kevin L. Gantt is a professional engineer and is currently a partner with a Carolina transportation engineering firm.
He is a husband and father of 7 in a blended family. Kevin is a poet and author of “Inflection: A journey of Self-Discovery,” published in 2014.
About Joey Anderson
Joey Anderson is a college math instructor of 20 years. He is a devoted husband and father of 2.
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Synopsis
Inspired by true events. In 1932, a media frenzy ensues when the remains of Danielle, a gifted, enslaved songstress, are discovered in the wall of an abandoned mansion on the Soileau Plantation. Through her sister, who returns to the English and French-speaking parish to identify the body, newspaper reporters learn the nature of Danielle’s life on and off the Creole sugar plantation as a rented slave and former child companion of the master’s daughter. Known for her proficiency in herbal remedies, beauty, and likeness to the Soileau & Sons rum and sugar product art, Danielle is flawed, yet favored by her lascivious master, Demetre Soileau, and despised by his wife, Etiennette.
Exposed to the society of Louisiana Creoles of color and free Blacks, regarded as the gens libre de couleur, Danielle catches the tender eye of a free mariner and business owner, Alphonse Santee, who is instrumental in her thirst for freedom, love, and the struggle to mend her broken family torn apart by turmoil and Demetre. Captured between love and obligation, Danielle soon becomes pregnant and the agonizing secrets between Etiennette and Danielle begin to unravel.
Song of Redemption is filled with the rich culture of multi-parishes west of the Mississippi River. It artfully pries open a window to aspects of pre-Civil War life for communities of color that are rarely discussed in detail. This unique blend of suspense, romance, and family invites readers into an unforgettable journey of the past that will leave audiences riveted while touching the hearts of present and future generations.