Always United hosts Evening with an Author featuring William B. Gravely on March 19

Always United, United Way of the Midlands’ affinity group for retirees and those nearing retirement, will host Evening with an Author with special guest William B. Gravely, author of They Stole Him Out of Jail on Tuesday, March 19.

“Gravely will present an interactive discussion exploring Willie Earle’s tragic death and its impact on not only South Carolina, but the entire nation,” said Hayes Mizell, Always United member and moderator of the event. “Those interested in South Carolina’s history will not want to miss the opportunity to meet Gravely and learn more about how his expert knowledge of our state’s history plays a role in his life as an author.”

William B. Gravely, professor emeritus at the University of Denver, is the author of Gilbert Haven, Methodist Abolitionist, as well as numerous articles on religion and social change. Gravely is a native of Pickens County, South Carolina, where the murder of T. W. Brown occurred and where Willie Earle was jailed before his abduction. In They Stole Him Out of Jail, Gravely presents a comprehensive account of the Earle lynching, exploring it from background to aftermath and from multiple perspectives.

The University of South Carolina Press describes They Stole Him Out of Jail as, “The most comprehensive account of the horrific Earle lynching.”

Evening with an Author will be hosted at United Way of the Midlands located at 1818 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201 on Tuesday, March 19 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. This is a free event, but registration is required. Visit uway.org/events to sign up.

Learn more about United Way of the Midlands at uway.org.

About Always United

Always United is an action-oriented group of diverse, experienced United Way supporters who are committed to bringing together the people, resources and expertise needed to solve problems in the Midlands. There is no age restriction to become a member of Always United, but most members are late-career individuals or retirees and their spouses and partners. Always United offers personal enrichment programs, social activities and the opportunity to engage with the community through volunteerism and other experiences. Always United works to further United Way’s mission to improve the quality of life for every person in the Midlands. For more information, please visit alwaysunited.com.

About United Way of the Midlands

United Way of the Midlands is the most collaborative, efficient and accountable model for investing in the improvement of the Midlands community. With nearly 70 Community Impact Partners, United Way works to identify and respond to the critical human service needs of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties. Funds are raised through workplace campaigns, grant writing and individual donations and are directed to fight for causes including childhood literacy, economic mobility and dental and eye care for those without resources. For more information, please visit uway.org.