For non-member event reservations: please email pfitzgerald@democraticwoman.org or telephone 202-232-7363 Ext. 402 (voicemails will also be accepted).

They fought for voting rights with courage and creativity, providing powerful lessons for today. Join us for a compelling program with award-winning author Elaine Weiss, who shares the untold story behind her latest book, "Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools That Built the Civil Rights Movement."

Set in the Jim Crow South, this book is a gripping narrative history of the courageous Black and white citizens who risked everything to reclaim democracy, armed only with literacy, civic education, and determination. Their underground “Citizenship Schools” quietly trained a generation of activists, laying the grassroots foundation for the Civil Rights Movement.

At a time when voting rights and democracy face new threats, this powerful story offers urgent lessons from the past and hope for the future.

EVENT DETAILS:

• Remarks and Q&A, in-person and via Zoom.
• 6 p.m. complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar; 6:30–7:30 p.m. program followed by book signing.
• Zoom only: $10. In-person: members: $20, nonmembers: $25 plus tax.

Weiss ’s book, "Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools That Built the Civil Rights Movement." will be available for purchase at the event.

Weiss is an award-winning journalist whose magazine feature writing has been recognized with prizes from the Society of Professional Journalists. She also is the author of three books of narrative history, including the highly acclaimed "The Woman's Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote" -- hailed as a "riveting, nail-biting political thriller" with powerful parallels to today's political environment.

*Please note: Guests, with the exception of members’ spouses and domestic partners, may attend a maximum of three paid events from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. After the third event, they must join the Club to continue attending events.*