Human Relations Commission To Feature Guest Speakers On Wednesday

Human Relations Commission Chairman David A. Boyce has announced that Roger and Nicole Brewer, the father and daughter authors of Withstanding the Lie will be guest speakers at the next meeting of the City of Middletown Human Relations Commission.

“The Brewer’s will be discussing the work they are doing to teach others to protect themselves mentally and emotionally from the bigotry of others,” Chairman Boyce stated. “If you or someone you know has ever had acts of bigotry because of your race, religion, ethnic background, gender, age, sexual orientation, economic status, weight, height, complexion, physical ability, or anything else, this is a presentation you don’t want to miss,” Chairman Boyce added.

The Brewer’s were inspired to write their book after experiencing bigotry themselves. They have used specific techniques to maintain their self esteem and to move beyond the hurt they experienced and feel that others can benefit from these techniques. In addition to writing the book, they also have an audio CD and conduct interactive workshops.

Roger, one of twelve children, grew up in rural Georgia as a sharecropper at a time when racial segregation was required by law. He graduated from a racially segregated high school in 1964 and served in the United States Air Force from 1964 through 1968. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hartford in 1972 and a Jurist Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut in 1975. He was employed as a lawyer for a national corporation for twenty eight years. He was a trial attorney who rose to the level of New England regional managing attorney. In 2004, he took an early retirement to devote more time to talking to people about Withstanding the Lie. Roger has three adult children, Ricky, Pam, and Nicole. He lives in Connecticut with his wife Sharon.

Nicole received a Bachelor’s degree in English (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) from Hollins University in 2004 and a Master of Arts degree in Humanities and Social Thought from New York University in 2006. Her Master’s thesis analyzed three separate movements for racial equality in the United States. She is currently working on a science fiction novel based on the subject of identity. In addition to writing, Nicole has an interest in music and voice and continues to sing, play the piano, and write music whenever she is able. Nicole is Roger's youngest child.

She has teamed with her father to talk to people about Withstanding the Lie. She lives and works in CT.

The next meeting of the City of Middletown Human Relations Commission will be on Wednesday January 18, 2012, at 5PM, in the Council Chamber of the Municipal Building