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Experience the extraordinary real-life story of Dr. Chester Pierce in an inspiring documentary based on the award-winning children’s book Follow Chester!. Witness an incredible tale of overcoming racism as this innovator of color leaves his mark on the world. A must-see for anyone in search of inspiration and resilience.
Gloria Respress-Churchwell has a passion for sharing nonfiction stories with children, especially those about unsung heroes. Having received an M.A. and M.F.A. from Simmons University in Children’s Literature and Writing for Children as a Lee & Low and Friends Scholar, Respress-Churchwell’s recent picture book Follow Chester! (Charlesbridge Publishing) spotlights the man, Dr. Chester Pierce, who when faced with challenges that included racism, he turned his adversity into positives that helped initiate societal change.
Chester Pierce broke racial barriers when, in 1947, he joined his Harvard football team to play against the University of Virginia. At that time, Black people were not allowed to sit at lunch counters, they had to use separate entrances, and they weren’t allowed to play college football against white players.
Savannah dislikes being new to Nashville. She feels like her life is a spiraling mess! Needless to say, Savannah is angry. She’s upset at the unexpected loss of her dad, bitter that she had to leave her old school, and feels empty without her friends.
