North Chatham Free Library (NCFL) Presents Julie Kabat, Author of
“Love Letter from Pig: My Brother’s Story of Freedom Summer”
on Sunday, April 7 at 3 P.M.
This Free Event is Located at 4287 Route 203
North Chatham, NY (March 20, 2024) – In recognition of the 60th Anniversary of Mississippi Freedom Summer 1964, which was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, Julie Kabat will read selections from her memoir/biography and share highlights of her personal journey in writing the book. Julie’s brother Luke was one of many northern volunteers, called “outside agitators” by segregationists, who arrived to support the courageous local African American activists of all ages who were hard at work using nonviolent resistance to challenge the myths of white supremacy.
Ten days before he was to depart for the South, news shocked the nation as three young civil rights workers based in Meridian had gone missing—two northern white volunteers, Mickey Schwerner and Andrew Goodman, and a local African American, James Chaney. Assigned to teach at the Freedom School in Meridian, Luke found the community deeply grieving. In August, he helped plan the somber memorial march to James Chaney’s funeral and attended the Democratic National Convention in support of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.
Returning in the fall, he spent time in jail for “contributing to the delinquency of minors”—an arrest that followed his decision to take Black students out for ice cream. Tragically, Luke died just two years after Freedom Summer, but he left behind a treasure trove of letters, a diary, and essays. Julie draws on these primary resources as well as reflections by Luke’s fellow volunteers and former Freedom School students who attest to the lifelong legacy of Freedom Summer.
About the Author
Julie Kabat is a longtime member of North Chatham Free Library’s Board of Trustees, and she chairs the Arts and Culture Program Committee. She has toured internationally as a composer, performer, singer, and storyteller. She previously worked for over forty years as a teaching artist in public schools.