Priscilla Dowden-White, associate professor of history at UMSL, wrote the book "Groping toward Democracy: African American Social Welfare Reform in St. Louis, 1910-1949." She'll discuss the book Thursday at the Julia Davis Branch of the St. Louis Library.

A push for African American social welfare reform began in St. Louis long before the start of the civil rights movement in the late 1950s, according to Priscilla Dowden-White, associate professor of history at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Dowden-White wrote “Groping toward Democracy: African American Social Welfare Reform in St. Louis, 1910-1949.” She’ll discuss the book, sign copies and host a panel discussion at 6 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 2) at the Julia Davis Branch of the St. Louis Library, 4415 Natural Bridge Ave. The event is part of the St. Louis Public Library’s Black History Month celebration.

Jamila Rogers, of The St. Louis American; Kathleen Hudson, of America Scores St. Louis; Joyce Southerland-Wade, of CJT Consulting LLC; and Paula M. Hughes, of the National Black MBA Association-St. Louis; will join Dowden-White to discuss the contributions of black women to American history and culture.

The event is free and open to the public.

Call 314-206-6779 for more information about the event. Click here to read more about Dowden-White and her book.