An Evening with Author, Betsy Small

Join us for an intimate and thought-provoking evening with author Betsy Small, as she discusses her powerful new book, Before Before: A Story of Discovery and Loss in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone is often depicted through sensationalized stories of violence, Ebola, and crises. Before Before: A Story of Discovery and Loss in Sierra Leone presents a different view, capturing daily life in a country Betsy Small first encountered as a Peace Corps volunteer in the 1980's and later returned to decades afterward.

Before Before offers a unique portrait of life in Sierra Leone, particularly focusing on women and girls before the 1991 civil war. Betsy Small invites reflection on the complex landscape of this often-overlooked West African nation. Spanning three decades, the book reveals that the hunger to forge connection persists—a powerful antidote to indifference, intolerance, and even violence.

Part of the Law, Meaning, and Violence series, Before Before explores how legal narratives shape our understanding of power and justice. Published by the University of Michigan Press, Betsy’s memoir offers insights on loss, discovery, and healing. The series examines how law’s narratives connect with legal institutions and practices, giving voice to power and violence. It challenges traditional definitions of law while exploring new possibilities for creating normative orders and examining law-like elements in social practices.

Betsy Small served in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone from 1984 to 1987. For over three decades, she has worked with divided communities in the US and abroad, which inspired her to write her book. Betsy holds master's degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University, and North Carolina Central University. Throughout her career, she has been a teacher and counselor for families and youth in various settings. More recently, she has served as exectuive director for Creating Friendships for Peace, collaborating with teams of peacebuilders in Israel, Palestine, Cyprus, and communities in Northern Ireland.

Following the discussion, Betsy will take questions from the audience, providing further insight into her experiences and the themes explored in her book.

Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

All Ages

Free Entrance, Registration Required

Host or Publisher Huxley & Hiro