Author Sam Graham-Felsen will discuss his book “Green,” and lead a panel discussion on cross-racial friendships during a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21 at Clayton High School, 1 Mark Twain Circle. 

This program is presented in partnership with the Barbara and Michael Newmark Institute for Human Relations at the Jewish Community Relations Council.

“Green” explores the cross-racial friendship between two middle school boys in 1992. David Greenfield, nicknamed “Green,” is one of only two white boys at an all-black school. The coming-of-age novel poignantly reflects racism, privilege and what it means to try to overcome built-in barriers to relationships through the friendships of the two characters.

Following a brief presentation about this book, Graham-Felsen will moderate a discussion with leaders from local schools about education, class and modern day civil rights. The panel will include: 

• Sean N. Doherty, superintendent of the Clayton School District 

• Alexis Wright, head of school at New City School

• Student representatives from Cultural Leadership

The event is free and open to the community but RSVP requested by Jan. 17 to 314-442-3299 or online at http://bit.ly/JBF-events.