Picture your childhood neighborhood, your long-time home, now gone. This is the real-life experience of award-winning St. Louis author Vivian Gibson.

Gibson grew up in Mill Creek Valley, a segregated working-class neighborhood in St. Louis that was razed in 1959 to build Highway 40 under the banner of urban renewal and progress. Her bestselling book “The Last Children of Mill Creek” is a poignant memoir that delves into the author’s personal experiences growing up in Mill Creek Valley.

Gibson’s narrative paints a vivid picture of life in a time when African American families lacked indoor plumbing, and sundown laws were still in effect. The book beautifully captures the everyday lives of her large family, the tight-knit Mill Creek community, and the challenges they faced.

Now, the author is bringing her story home. Gibson will be the special guest on the next edition of the “Coffee Talk,” the three-year-old gathering of local St. Louis voices hosted by National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis’ Past President, Susan Katzman, and Vice President of Membership, Lisa Gubernik.

The show is Tuesday, Jan. 23, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The virtual gathering will take place on Zoom, and attendance is free, but RSVP is encouraged.

‘The Last Children of Mill Creek’

Described by the Los Angeles Times as a “spare, elegant jewel of a work,” the book has gained acclaim for its historical richness and emotional depth. Gibson is not just an accomplished author but was also the 2022 Missouri Author of the Year, with her book being Missouri’s selection for the 2023 National Book Festival.

Participants in the Coffee Talk don’t need to read the book beforehand to enjoy the conversation with Gibson. However, the 160-page memoir offers a compelling insight into St. Louis history, including some facets of Jewish history. For those interested in learning more about Gibson and “The Last Children of Mill Creek,” additional information is available at www.vivian-gibson.com, and the book can be purchased online.

Coffee Talk with Vivian Gibson

When: Tuesday, Jan. 23, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Where: Zoom virtual link
Registration: Click here to register.
More Info: Contact Alec Rothman at [email protected] or 314-993-5181