these are two of the highest awards the stowed upon an author. mr. hagood has been called americans can he asked cultural historian. he has explored the social and it dynamics of this country as the writers have. the works of mr. hagood come to life as he says his work-- words are meant to engage in a conversation or going back to the old school way of life, simply lets wrap. he says that stands for revitalization of the apathetic public and i would agree. that is what he says motivates him, revitalizes him and gives him the insight to write these meaningful historical journeys. as mr. hagood said, his subjects must be inspiring and by that he means they are welcome at his dining room table for a sunday dinner. he wants to be able to talk with them and that's how he chooses his subjects. his book, king of the, adam clayton powell junior tells about this harlem congressman's rise to power and fame. it reveals what of the most effective legislative persons in the history of congress. adam clayton powell junior likes thurgood marshall formed a bond with lyndon johnson that moved major legislation through the house like no other. king of the cats is historically significant. adam clayton powell crossed paths with a thurgood marshall and they occasionally communicated. they had a common bond in their interests and they were lying. this is another one of those journeys that will hagood takes us to better grasp the significance of a historic figure who happens to be african-american. in black and white the life sammy davis junior we learn that sammy davis junior was a fierce dedicated passionate civil rights advocate. he coordinated and pulled together both black and white entertainers to assist martin luther king in the civil rights movement. we witnessed the struggle that sammy went through in his conversion of his religion. we get an insight seat to his interaction with the rat pack, frank sinatra and company. we are a witness to history when sammy places a kiss on richard nixon and his career is forever diminished. the book also tells us that in the nixon kindy race for president it was clear that this up on the history nixon was more deserving of the black vote than kennedy. we witnessed firsthand that no entertainer had the skills of sammy davis junior. there is a scene where he plays every instrument and orchestra and we although about his ability to sing and dance. sweet thunder: the life and times of sugar ray robinson. sugar ray robinson pound for pound may be the best prizefighter the world has ever seen. that would include mohamed ali. will will tell us that sugar ray was not just a fighter, he was a harlem renaissance man. he loved the arts, that included literature, dance, song and arts. sugar ray interacted with all of the great entertainments and artist during the harlem renaissance. this cat was hip and this was cool and will told us about it. we get to see sugar ray in the life that no other author could have brought to life. again, will it resurrected an icon. the story of eugene allen, the butler, who served eight presidents who turned into a very successful blockbuster movie. again, will brings to life someone who was invisible to america. will gives us the dignity, the grace, the discipline and hard work of an individual who believed in the american dream. he risa life an individual who is present, but invisible during critical times in our american history over age presidents. only will hagood had the insight to give us this perspective in the cultural competence to do so in such a magnificent way. showdown: thurgood marshall but the constitution to life. he said the find the rules. i will live by the rules and i will be in what your own game. he had been recently nominated for the prestigious 2016 andrew carnegie medal for excellence in nonfiction. [applause]. >>