The United States [indiscernible] and so are our champion sponsors , the costar group and the john center. [applause] and, we have many friends, and Media Partners and exhibitors. [applause] now, the National Book festival is and has been one of the most inspirational free events in the Nations Capital and it is only possible because of you, our sponsors. And it does take a village to put on a festival like this, so i want to acknowledge the more than 1000 volunteers, most especially the Junior League of washington. [cheers and applause] which has supported the festival since 2003 with over 40,000 hours, the equivalent of 2. 4 million of time. Thank you. [cheers and applause] and, hundreds of volunteers from the general public, and of course, the hardworking library of Congress Staff who are key in vital to the success of the festival, so please, thank them and join me in that. [cheers and applause] some now it is my honor to welcome the chair of the James Madison council and the cocha
Welcome to book tvs live coverage of the National Book festival. Some of the authors you will hear from today, and get a chance to talk with historian doug brinkley, rk russell and chest and buttigieg. Some of the topics to be discussed, black literary identity, Environmental Activism and food and culture. It is a full day ahead. We are glad you are here with us on book tv. As i mentioned, this is the 23rd year in a row book tv has partnered with the library of congress to bring you live coverage of the National Book festival. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden is here to kick off our coverage. Dr. Hayden, for those who were not with us 23 years ago, how did this get started . It is so exciting to be here. You can hear the buzz behind us as everyone is coming in. In 2001, First Lady Laura Bush had been successful as a first lady of texas, starting the texas book fair. It was renowned. When she got to washington, d. C. , she asked my predecessor, dr. Billington, wouldnt it the nice if w
The National Endowment for the United States [indiscernible] and so are our champion sponsors , the costar group and the john center. [applause] and, we have many friends, and Media Partners and exhibitors. [applause] now, the National Book festival is and has been one of the most inspirational free events in the Nations Capital and it is only possible because of you, our sponsors. And it does take a village to put on a festival like this, so i want to acknowledge the more than 1000 volunteers, most especially the Junior League of washington. [cheers and applause] which has supported the festival since 2003 with over 40,000 hours, the equivalent of 2. 4 million of time. Thank you. [cheers and applause] and, hundreds of volunteers from the general public, and of course, the hardworking library of Congress Staff who are key in vital to the success of the festival, so please, thank them and join me in that. [cheers and applause] some now it is my honor to welcome the chair of the James Ma
Charter is proud to be recognized as one of the best internet providers and were just Getting Started. Well do 1000 miles of infrastructure to reach those who need it most. Charter communications along with these Television Companies support cspan2 as a public service. This weekend, 48hour support sent authors on book tv. In about an hour we will be live for the 23rd year in a row at the National Book in washington dc vin. You can find the full Program Guide. Last nights Opening Ceremony of the National Book festival that was held at the library of congress. The National Book festival and has been one of the most inspirational, free events in the nations capital. And its only possible because of you, our sponsor. It takes a village to put on a festival like this. I want to acknowledge 1000 volunteers. Most especially, the Junior League of washington. [applause] which is supported the festival since 2003 with over 40,000 hours, the equivalent of 24 million of time. Thank you. And hundre
Your books. Dirty Tricks Department and flirting with danger. Thank you for your time. [applause] available on book tv. Org. We went to introduce you to author our king russell. Here is his book the arts between us. Mr. Russell, when and where did you play professional football . Rk i was drafted to the cowboys and went to the buccaneers. Did you enjoy being out Football Player . Rk help me overcome odds as a black man from a single home. Birds to play college ball . Rk for the university. He was the first person in the football world you came out to. My college teammate. We met at purdue and were out all us with each other. I quickly realized he was the type of men i wanted to see. People who treated people kindly. He always open his heart and i was comfortable sharing my identity with. He was gracious of his time. Something normally who assumes would not be accepting of lgbtq people he was. Will happened to joe . Rk he was diagnosed with stage iv cancer. I was with them when he found