Babylon Falling in association with PM Press presents – A book signing and talk with Robert Hillary King in celebration of the recent publication of his autobiography, ‘From the Bottom of the Heap – The Autobiography of Black Panther Robert Hillary King’.
‘From the Bottom of the Heap’ is chock full of the anecdotal detail that brings history alive and as is true of all great stories the narrative that King relates, while intensely unique, manages to be representative of the struggles and hopes of an entire generation. Please join us here at Babylon Falling on Friday November 21st 2008 at 7pm for an evening with Robert Hillary King. He will give an informal talk about his life, do a reading, and sign copies of the book. As with all hardcover new releases, ‘From the Bottom of the Heap’ will be 20% off the list price. Refreshments will be provided. The event is wheelchair accessible.
About Robert Hillary King & From the Bottom of the Heap
Robert Hillary King, AKA Robert King Wilkerson, is part of a trio of American political prisoners collectively known as The Angola 3.
In 1970 a jury convicted Robert Hillary King of a crime he did not commit and sentenced him to 35 years in prison. He became a member of the Black Panther Party while in Angola State Penitentiary, successfully organizing prisoners to improve conditions. In return, prison authorities beat him, starved him, and gave him life without parole after framing him for a second crime. He was thrown into solitary confinement, where he remained in a six by nine foot cell for 29 years as one of the Angola 3. In 2001 the state grudgingly acknowledged his innocence and set him free. This is his Story.
Born black, born poor, born in Louisiana in 1942, King journeyed to Chicago as a hobo at the age of 15. He married and had a child, and briefly pursued a semi-pro boxing career to help provide for his family. Just a teenager when he entered the Louisiana penal system for the first time, King tells of his attempt to break out of this system, and his persistent pursuit of justice where there is none.
Yet this remains a story of inspiration and courage, and the triumph of the human spirit. From the Bottom of the Heap, so simply and humbly told, strips bare the economic and social injustices inherent in our society, while continuing to be a powerful literary testimony to our own strength and capacity to overcome.
About Babylon Falling
Babylon Falling is a concept-driven independent bookstore with a focus on the spirit of Revolution. In addition to new books, we also carry similarly themed collectible toys, posters, artwork and DVDs, and our own in house clothing line featuring designs submitted by those artists who have exhibited here. The name of the store reflects the owner's Jamaican heritage, where the word Babylon is an all-purpose euphemism for both oppression and those who oppress. The phrase Babylon Falling then, is at once an affirmation and a demand.
Previous shows at Babylon Falling have included Hal Lawrence, Robert Bowen, David Choong Lee, John Felix Arnold III, Emory Douglas, Le Bijoutier, Roger Steffens & Peter Simon, David Ball, buZ blurr aka Colossus of Roads, and most recently C3.
For pictures of past events at Babylon Falling please see: www.babylonfalling.com/Events.html
