James McBride, author of the New York Times bestseller “The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother,” will speak at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 in Alumni Gym on the Elon University campus.
“The Color of Water,” McBride’s way of paying tribute to his parents, is this year’s common reading for Elon students. A renowned musician and author, McBride will discuss his recollections of growing up with an African-American father and Hasidic Jewish mother, facing poverty and his eventual self-realization. McBride has written for The Boston Globe and The Washington Post.
He will also perform live with his jazz group immediately following his speech.
Tickets for the event are $10 for adults, or free for Elon students, faculty and staff who present valid ID. Tickets are available by calling the McCrary Theatre box office at (336) 278-5610. The box office is open from 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. McBride’s appearance is sponsored by the Liberal Arts Forum.