Townelaker– Tulsa-based author and Cherokee Nation citizen Connie Cronley is set to headline the Author Meet-and-Greet event at the Tahlequah Public Library on Saturday, April 13. The event, organized by the Friends of the Tahlequah Public Library, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the library’s Carnegie Room, located at 120 S. College. Cronley will speak at noon.
Cronley, known for her insightful writing and contributions to Oklahoma’s literary scene, will present her latest work, “A Life on Fire: Oklahoma’s Kate Barnard.” The book, a biography of the pioneering social reformer Kate Barnard, was hailed as the best book of the year in 2022 by the Oklahoma Historical Society.
In addition to Cronley’s presentation, the event will feature 20 local and regional authors showcasing a diverse range of genres, including historical fiction, true histories, poetry, photography, spiritual awakening, and children’s literature. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with the authors, discuss their works, and purchase signed copies of their books.
Among the authors participating in the event are R. E. “Eddie” Glenn, Regina McLemore, Shirley Pettengill, David Christopher Jennings, Erynn Crittenden, James W. McDonough, Candace Thompson, Kris Carrerow, Eileen Hobbs, Nila Adair, Timothy Gilliam, Donna Welch Jones, Brian Conway, Mark Darrah, Eli Camp, Betty Ridge, Harold C. Aldridge, Jr., Elizabeth Peterson, and Regina Cross.
Cronley’s literary career includes the publication of three books of essays and co-authored the memoir of Edward Perkins, the first black ambassador from the United States to South Africa during apartheid. She is a columnist for TulsaPeople magazine and contributes a monthly book review to KOTV.
Reflecting on her motivation for writing about Kate Barnard, Cronley explained, “I believe Kate Barnard is the most important woman in Oklahoma history.” Barnard, the first woman elected to state office in Oklahoma, was a passionate advocate for social reform. However, her efforts were often thwarted by corruption and graft.
Cronley’s research, which spanned nearly 50 years, sheds light on Barnard’s groundbreaking work, including her efforts to address misconduct involving Indian properties long before the FBI’s investigation in the Osage Nation, as depicted in “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
Cronley’s decision to write about Kate Barnard was influenced by her late friend and mentor, renowned Oklahoma historian Angie Debo, who had written about Barnard in her book “And Still the Waters Run.” “It feels good to keep my promise to Dr. Debo,” Cronley remarked.
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The event is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to engage with local authors and celebrate Oklahoma’s rich literary heritage. Don’t miss the chance to hear from Connie Cronley and discover the captivating story of Kate Barnard, a woman whose legacy continues to inspire generations.