NORFOLK, VA— Slover Library Foundation invites the public to a presentation, discussion and book signing with Robert D. Gaines, author of Heidelberg of The Norfolk 17, on Feb. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Slover Library (235 E. Plume St., Norfolk).
On Feb. 2, 1959, Andrew Heidelberg was one of the 17 Black students to walk through the doors of six previously all-white middle and high schools in Norfolk, marking the end of public school segregation and Massive Resistance in the city. The students became known as the “Norfolk 17” and suffered many hardships for the sake of integration. Gaines was Heidelberg’s classmate at Norview High School and they worked together to recount the powerful story in Heidelberg of The Norfolk 17.
This Thursday night, exactly 64 years later, Gaines officially launches his book with a presentation, discussion and book signing with Andrew’s widow, Luressa Heidelberg. Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander, publisher Brenda H. Andrews, and Norfolk State University professor Cassandra Newby-Alexander are also attending, along with Norview alumni, Dr. Patricia Turner of the Norfolk 17, football teammate Ken Whitley and former Norfolk councilman, Randy Wright.
This event is free and open to the public with heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar available. Online registration is encouraged.
About Slover Library: Slover Library blends traditional library functions with the best of contemporary library resources and services. The innovative space design creates a vital and dynamic center of community learning, leading-edge technology, and civic engagement, available to all citizens of the region, and it is known as an attraction for residents and visitors alike.
Slover Library is in beautiful downtown Norfolk on the corner of Plume and Atlantic Street near MacArthur Square and the MacArthur Memorial. Call (757) 431-7491 for more information.