dr. carla peterson. she is the author of "black gotham," a family history of african-americans in 19th century new york city. she is a professor of english at the university of maryland at college park. her expertise includes 19th century african-american women writers and speakers in the northern u.s.. please welcome her. [applause] dr. gregory jones is the author of "job" a man for his time. at dr. jones is a -- where he studied psychology and religion, and a star athlete. he became an all-american player of the year during his basketball career and his number 21 jersey for those of you who recognize him was inducted into his college hall of fame. please give him a round of applause. [applause] craig williams is here. he is the author of "the olympian," an american triumph. he is a new jersey native and he wore many hats before becoming a writer. at syracuse university he majored in business but only tells a deep fascination for the study of history. please give them him a hand. [applause] dan charnas