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An Author's Reading of Fiery Hope: Building Community with the Amandla Chorus By Eveline MacDougall

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At the Arms Library in Shelburne Falls, Mass

Fiery Hope recounts how people acquainted through anti-apartheid work gathered one wintry day in Wendell, Massachusetts to share the joyful power of South African freedom songs. The first informal session in 1988 led to regular rehearsals, and when the singers accepted an invitation to perform publicly, they needed a name for their burgeoning chorus. A South African member suggested “Amandla,” a Zulu word for power.

Led by Eveline MacDougall as chorus founder and director for three decades, Amandla's work led to collaborations with influential leaders including César Chávez, Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Pete Seeger, Wally and Juanita Nelson, and Malala Yousafzai. They’ve also made profound connections with schoolchildren, prisoners, elders, terminally ill people, and community members facing homelessness.

Light refreshments will be offered.

The Arms is handicapped accessible via the back lower level entrance.