Margaret Wilkerson Sexton discusses her novel, On the Rooftop, the story of a mother whose dream of musical stardom for her three daughters collides with the daughters' ambitions for their own lives--set against the backdrop of gentrifying 1950s San Francisco. Sexton will be in conversation with Dorothy Lazard, Bay Area historian, celebrated librarian and public historian.
Doors open at 6:30, event at 7 p.m.
Widowed Vivian, a refugee from segregated Louisiana, nurtures her daughters Ruth, Esther and Chloe into a musical sensation called The Salvations. Vivian's dream of their musical stardom clashes with the sisters' evolving ambitions. Vivian's relentless rehearsals on the rooftop have shaped The Salvations into a local sensation, catching the attention of a talent manager with a once-in-a-lifetime offer. However, as the sisters mature into independent women, their dreams diverge from their mother's vision. Against the backdrop of the Jazz-era Fillmore, the neighborhood is undergoing change, with White gentrification threatening the community.
Sexton intricately explores the complex dynamics of familial relationships, portraying the bonds of loyalty and jealousy among the sisters. The novel hits on the nuances of regret and the impact of deferred dreams, in a rapidly changing neighborhood.
On the Rooftop is a moving family portrait that weaves together themes of love, independence, and the challenges of embracing change in a tumultuous era. Sexton's story resonates as a heartfelt tale of family and community, showcasing her uncommon talent in bringing to life the intricate dance of dreams within the intricate tapestry of 1950s San Francisco.
SFPL is honored to partner and host this at the African American Art & Cultural Complex (AAACC).
Free
Presented by San Francisco Public Library
show less
Doors open at 6:30, event at 7 p.m.
Widowed Vivian, a refugee from segregated Louisiana, nurtures her daughters Ruth, Esther and Chloe into a musical sensation called The Salvations. Vivian's dream of their musical stardom clashes with the sisters' evolving ambitions. Vivian's relentless rehearsals on the rooftop have shaped The Salvations into a local sensation, catching the attention of a talent manager with a once-in-a-lifetime offer. However, as the sisters mature into independent women, their dreams diverge from their mother's vision. Against the backdrop of the Jazz-era Fillmore, the neighborhood is undergoing change, with White gentrification threatening the community.
Sexton intricately explores the complex dynamics of familial relationships, portraying the bonds of loyalty and jealousy among the sisters. The novel hits on the nuances of regret and the impact of deferred dreams, in a rapidly changing neighborhood.
On the Rooftop is a moving family portrait that weaves together themes of love, independence, and the challenges of embracing change in a tumultuous era. Sexton's story resonates as a heartfelt tale of family and community, showcasing her uncommon talent in bringing to life the intricate dance of dreams within the intricate tapestry of 1950s San Francisco.
SFPL is honored to partner and host this at the African American Art & Cultural Complex (AAACC).
Free
Presented by San Francisco Public Library
Margaret Wilkerson Sexton discusses her novel, On the Rooftop, the story of a mother whose dream of musical stardom for her three daughters collides with the daughters' ambitions for their own lives--set against the backdrop of gentrifying 1950s San Francisco. Sexton will be in conversation with Dorothy Lazard, Bay Area historian, celebrated librarian and public historian.
Doors open at 6:30, event at 7 p.m.
Widowed Vivian, a refugee from segregated Louisiana, nurtures her daughters Ruth, Esther and Chloe into a musical sensation called The Salvations. Vivian's dream of their musical stardom clashes with the sisters' evolving ambitions. Vivian's relentless rehearsals on the rooftop have shaped The Salvations into a local sensation, catching the attention of a talent manager with a once-in-a-lifetime offer. However, as the sisters mature into independent women, their dreams diverge from their mother's vision. Against the backdrop of the Jazz-era Fillmore, the neighborhood is undergoing change, with White gentrification threatening the community.
Sexton intricately explores the complex dynamics of familial relationships, portraying the bonds of loyalty and jealousy among the sisters. The novel hits on the nuances of regret and the impact of deferred dreams, in a rapidly changing neighborhood.
On the Rooftop is a moving family portrait that weaves together themes of love, independence, and the challenges of embracing change in a tumultuous era. Sexton's story resonates as a heartfelt tale of family and community, showcasing her uncommon talent in bringing to life the intricate dance of dreams within the intricate tapestry of 1950s San Francisco.
SFPL is honored to partner and host this at the African American Art & Cultural Complex (AAACC).
Free
Presented by San Francisco Public Library
read more
Doors open at 6:30, event at 7 p.m.
Widowed Vivian, a refugee from segregated Louisiana, nurtures her daughters Ruth, Esther and Chloe into a musical sensation called The Salvations. Vivian's dream of their musical stardom clashes with the sisters' evolving ambitions. Vivian's relentless rehearsals on the rooftop have shaped The Salvations into a local sensation, catching the attention of a talent manager with a once-in-a-lifetime offer. However, as the sisters mature into independent women, their dreams diverge from their mother's vision. Against the backdrop of the Jazz-era Fillmore, the neighborhood is undergoing change, with White gentrification threatening the community.
Sexton intricately explores the complex dynamics of familial relationships, portraying the bonds of loyalty and jealousy among the sisters. The novel hits on the nuances of regret and the impact of deferred dreams, in a rapidly changing neighborhood.
On the Rooftop is a moving family portrait that weaves together themes of love, independence, and the challenges of embracing change in a tumultuous era. Sexton's story resonates as a heartfelt tale of family and community, showcasing her uncommon talent in bringing to life the intricate dance of dreams within the intricate tapestry of 1950s San Francisco.
SFPL is honored to partner and host this at the African American Art & Cultural Complex (AAACC).
Free
Presented by San Francisco Public Library
show less
Date/Times:
762 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
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