belinda gergel, a retired historian. he is the author of enforced of the tree of life, a history of the early -- in of columbia, south carolina. his most recent book from which tonight's talk drawn is an example of courage, the blinding of sergeant isaac woodard and the awakening of president truman and judge whites wearing. it has been referred to by new york times as riveting and remarkable and by professor henry louis gates as a timely a monumental achievement. the gurgles have two sons, both of whom are with us tonight. richie, who practices law in charleston, and joseph, who graduated yesterday from the fordham law school. i could go on, but i won't because like you i'm anxious to hear from my friends. so please join me in welcoming judge gergel. thank justice jackson for that kind introduction. and we we have been initially i had been confirmed. we were sort of reconstructing our relationship i have been confirmed about a year in justice jackson was on the sentencing commission nominee for the district court but no