S. Barbara Hilyer presents Legacy Lost
Schedule
Thu Aug 14 2025 at 07:00 pm to 08:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Magers & Quinn Booksellers | Minneapolis, MN

About this Event
Growing up white in Washington state, Barbara's dad never told her anything about his family-except that his mother was "crazy." Ten years after his death, she learned his sister was living in Hawai'i. Discovering "the family secret" introduced her to the concept of passing, and the complex nature of race and identity. Uncommon in the white world, passing is a familiar concept among African Americans.
Meeting her aunt, an African American woman deeply involved in state politics, took Barbara's life in a new direction, which led her to Hilo, Hawai'i, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Washington, DC, and the Deep South-researching the extended family she could never know, and the historic times that defined them.
This story challenges America's oversimplified view of race and explores how different individuals across generations pursued all available avenues of opportunity to define their lives in a race-conscious society. American history is not white history, although it has been presented that way. The times call for a truth telling.
S. Barbara Hilyer spent her public school teaching career in Ashland, Oregon, where she taught elementary school as well as middle and high school social studies, including American History. She holds a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instructional Leadership. At almost 70 years old, she spends her time revolving around the Pacific Rim between Portland, Oregon, British Columbia, Canada, and Hilo, Hawai'i. In her next life, she intends to be an otter.
About Events at M&Q:
These are guidelines only, and if you have questions about the most up to date information, you can always call us at 612-822-4611.
Q: Do I need to register?
A: Please do if at all possible! Use the registration button above. Registering ahead of time helps us with scheduling, book ordering, and other decisions that are made several weeks prior to the event. The more info we have ahead of time, the better.
With a registered list, we can also easily and directly communicate event updates such as postponements or cancellations.
If you are unable to sign up online, please call or visit the bookstore and register with a bookseller.
Walk-ins are always welcome, but seating decisions are made based on registered attendance and seating priority is given to registered attendees first.
Q: Are in store events free?
A: Yes, Magers & Quinn events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Q: Are masks required?
A: Masks are not required to browse in the store or at most events. Some events may come with a request for masking for the health and safety of the author. If so it will be noted here whenever possible.
Q: How should I get there?
A: Please see our Directions & Parking page for the best tips on getting to Magers & Quinn.
https://www.magersandquinn.com/directions
Where is it happening?
Magers & Quinn Booksellers, 3038 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
