Francis Bok author of Escape From Slavery visits Granby on October 24, 2008 Granby High School Auditorium FREE Doors open 6:30 PM - Program 7:00 PM Reception and book signing after

See updates on the Gourian School Project at http://www.sudansunrise.org

Francis was abducted at the age of seven from his village in Southern Sudan by the janjaweed militia and kept as a slave until his escape ten years later at the age of seventeen. The book retells his personal account of how he eventually made his way to the United States, finally settling in the Boston area. Employed by the American Anti-Slavery Group, Francis has been an international keynote speaker, meeting with Condoleeza Rice and President Bush. He has addressed Congress and the United Nations and has been a torchbearer for the 2000 Olympic Games.

This past March, Francis returned to his home village for the first time since his abduction. He traveled back with prominent leaders and a film crew to prepare a documentary film outlining efforts to make peace between Southern Sudanese and their former Darfurian oppressors. What was once a war of religion has now turned to racial genocide, with black Darfurians now being oppressed by the white Arab government of northern Sudan. The peace effort calls for Southern Sudanese to forgive their Darfurian brothers and travel to refugee camps to teach English. English is seen as a way out of Sudan to a better life. In addition, Francis is spearheading an effort to construct a school in his village to replace the trees under which children gather to learn.

On October 24, Francis will spend the day at the high school addressing various classes. In the evening, Francis will speak at the high school auditorium. It is also hoped that segments of the documentary, which are currently being translated from Arabic to English, will be ready to view. After, a reception will be held in the Commons, where Francis will be available to "meet and greet" and sign copies of his book.

This program will be open to the public free of charge, thanks to a sponsorship grant from the Granby Education Foundation.

The Granby Public Library is planning a summer book study on Escape From Slavery; students will see the title added to the book list for summer reading. You may direct inquiries or questions to Elaine Chagnon at GMHS, (click here to mail)

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