Author Conveys Lessons on Race

I so enjoyed author, professor and Toledo native Shawn Schwaner's visit to the Bexley library in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio, on Sept. 29. In an appearance sponsored by the Bexley Minority Parent Alliance, Schwaner discussed his new memoir, "Dear Mama: Lessons on Race, Grace and the Wisdom to Overcome."

Shawn Schwaner (right) talks to a supporter 
during his appearance at the library.

As someone who grew up in an interracial family, I can very much relate to Shawn's story: he was raised by an African-American woman, Bertha Lee Green, who took custody when his single white birth mother, Susan Schwaner, fell on hard times. In the book, Schwaner shares advice that his adopted mother, who he called "Mama Green," passed on that have sustained him throughout life - mainly, to respect and value people regardless of race.

It was Mama Green's steadfast love and support that helped Schwaner rise above a rough childhood in which he was constantly bullied by older boys in the neighborhood. He also endured a rocky, sometimes violent relationship with his birth mother, whom he saw on weekends. Mama Green not only nurtured Shawn, but taught Susan Schwaner how to become a more stable parent.

During his Bexley library appearance, Shawn related that Mama Green often told him, "If I have a dime, you have a nickel. That meant I was never alone."

A criminology professor at Miami Dade College in Florida, Schwaner has a mesmerizing speaking style. Rather than standing at a lecturn like a stuffy professor, he worked the auditorium with swagger and even led the crowd of about 40 people - many of them childhood friends and former classmates - in a call-and-response musical number. 

Interestingly, Shawn apologized for not having much energy because he was sleep-deprived. If that's his low-energy presentation, I can only imagine the high-octane version that his students get every day in the classroom! 

Speaking to Shawn after his presentation when he was signing books, it was good to learn that he's a fellow Prince fan - he even wore a purple shirt to honor the fallen icon we're all still mourning. I look forward to reading Shawn's memoir and highly recommend picking it up (it's available on Amazon).