Obiora Anekwe
(Pace University)
Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins (1849-1908) was an African American pianist and
composer. He was a blind and autistic slave who nevertheless was a
musical genius. He is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features
a complete Works List by the late Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma,
http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com
Pace Teaching Fellow Brings African Experiences To Life In His Work
Born in the United States, but raised in Lagos, Nigeria, he moved back to the United States when he was in elementary school. After completing a Master’s in Bioethics at Columbia University, he applied for the NYC Teaching Fellows Program and is currently seeking an MST in Adolescent Special Education.
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Having written several books in post secondary education and bioethics, his first book as a children’s author was published earlier this year. Urged by SOE professor Kathryn De Lawter to expand his research on the topic of Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins into a book, Obiora chose to write and illustrate The Adventures of Blind Tom himself. The publication focuses on recurring themes of racial identity and facing challenges in a way that younger children can understand and even relate to.
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Anekwe will have a reading and book signing of The Adventures of Blind Tom at Barnes and Noble in White Plains on Nov. 21. For information on the event, contact mdelany@pace.edu.
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