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Public Invited to Join CSUN Alumni in Discussion of Civil Rights in the Jazz Age

Cal State Northridge history professor Tom Devine is assigning a little homework in anticipation of a public discussion he is leading next month on Kevin Boyle’s award winning book, “Arc of Justice: A Saga of Race, Civil Rights and Murder in the Jazz Age.”

Devine is asking those planning to attend the Department of History’s Alumni Book Discussion at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, in the Whitsett Room, room 451, of Sierra Hall to read the book.

“Arc of Justice” is the story of Ossain Sweet, an African-American doctor who came to national attention in 1925 when he was tried for murder after attempting to defend his newly purchased home in a predominantly white neighborhood of Detroit. An unruly mob was trying to force Sweets and his family out. Boyle, a history professor at Ohio State University, won the National Book Award for non-fiction and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award for his work, which explores Sweet’s trail against the backdrop of the Jazz Age and the nascent civil rights movement.

Devine said the book has been a favorite of his students over the years. He added that he was “looking forward to catching up” with many of his former students and other CSUN alumni at the event.

Sierra Hall is located on the west side of the campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge. Parking is $6 and permits are available at the information booth on Prairie Street near Darby Avenue.

While the seminar is free and open to the public, seating is limited. To make a reservation or get more information, contact Devine at (818) 677-3566 or via e-mail at tom.devine@csun.edu.