Frances Murphy Draper: "Prayer and Pen"

In a world filled with chaos, uncertainty, and great trials, prayer was Carl Murphy’s weapon of choice. And knowing the power behind his pen, the acclaimed publisher of the AFRO-American newspaper used his words to share strength and hope with family, friends, the community, and his newspaper.

In Prayer and Pen, current AFRO publisher Frances Murphy Draper has collected 50 of her beloved grandfather’s original prayers, along with many proverbs and words of wisdom. Each reading showcases Murphy’s authentic conversations with God and the perseverance of a generation called to navigate Jim Crow, two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, and other tumultuous, defining moments in United States history. Reflect on powerful words from a wise businessman, cultural hero, and family patriarch, and learn from his remarkable legacy of finding solace and strength in consistent prayer.

Frances Murphy Draper will be joined in conversation by Karsonya Wise Whitehead, host of Today with Dr. Kaye on WEAA 88.9 FM.

About the Author:

Since February 2018, Frances Murphy Draper has served as the fourth-generation publisher of The Afro-American Newspapers (dba AFRO News), the nation’s longest-running family-owned Black newspaper. A highly regarded leader in the Black press, Draper was elected first vice chair of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) in 2023 and serves as board chair of Word In Black, a digital public benefit corporation and news collaborative founded by ten of the nation’s most influential Black newspaper publishers.

About the Moderator:

Karsonya Wise Whitehead is the host of Today with Dr. Kaye on WEAA 88.9 FM. She is the founding director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice, as well as a communication and African and African American Studies professor at Loyola University.

About the Program:

• Doors will open to registered attendees at 6 pm.
• A local bookseller will be on-site and have books available for purchase.
• Free parking vouchers are available to program attendees who park at the Franklin Street Garage (15 W. Franklin Street) after 4pm. Ask Pratt event staff for your parking voucher prior to or after the program.
• There is no registration required for virtual attendance, simply visit the Enoch Pratt Free Library's Facebook or Youtube page.

Host or Publisher Enoch Pratt Free Library