FALL SERIES I: ALVIN COFFEY-AN AFRICAN AMERICAN FORTY-NINER

Speaker: Nancy Leek

Long-time Chico community contributor and author Nancy Leek will present on her latest book, titled Alvin Coffey: The True Story of an African American Forty-Niner. The book explores slavery during the California Gold Rush through the story of Alvin Coffey, who came to mine for gold in 1849, with a promise from his owner that he could earn money to buy his freedom. In spite of being cheated out of his earnings, he persisted and eventually won freedom for himself and his wife and children. He mined near Shasta City and settled on a farm in Tehama County. His story exemplifies the courage, determination, and hope of black pioneers in California.