What: A lecture and panel discussion on the history of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, part of the University of North Texas' observation of Black History Month. Sanderia Faye, a UNT doctoral student, will discuss and read from her historically-based novel, "Mourner's Bench," which examines women's roles in the movement in rural Arkansas. J. Todd Moye, a faculty member in UNT's Department of History, will speak about the history of the Civil Rights Movement.

When: 5 p.m. Feb. 16 (Tuesday).

Where: Room 180 of UNT's Business Leadership Building, located at 1307 W. Highland St., Denton.

Parking: Guests can park in the multi-level Highland Street Garage, located at 620 Central Ave. Enter on Central Avenue.

Cost: Free

More information: Contact the Department of History at 940-565-2288

DENTON (UNT), Texas – Dr. Martin L. King, Malcolm X, U.S. Rep. John Lewis: These men's names quickly come to mind when people think about the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. However, many people do not realize the vital leadership roles women in the Deep South played during the movement.

To observe Black History Month, the University of North Texas' Department of History will present a reading by Sanderia Faye, author of "Mourner's Bench," Feb. 16 (Tuesday). Faye's historically-based novel is steeped deep in history as it explores a woman's life in the Arkansas Delta as she advocates for fairness and equality on behalf of African Americans during the mid-1960s.

Faye's reading and discussion will begin at 5 p.m.in Room 180 of the Business Leadership Building, which is located at 1307 W. Highland St. in Denton.

Faye based her novel on real-life historical Arkansas individuals whose participation was vital to the march to freedom, and recollections from her own childhood. She explains the conflict between rural southern church members and African American women who took leadership positions in the movement.

"As a native of the region where the novel is based, it was important for me to accurately portray Arkansas Delta women who challenged societies' norms to improve life for future generations," Faye said.

During her lecture, she will provide insights into her reasoning for writing the book, the role of religion in the book and why she elected to tell the story of one woman's push for equality through the eyes of an 8-year old little girl.

Moye, author of "Let the People Decide: Black Freedom & White Resistance Movements in Sunflower County, Mississippi 1945-1986" will present a brief discussion on the history of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

Faye will sell and autograph copies of the book following the presentation.

For more information, please call the Department of History at 940-565-2288.