Book Event: A New Release from Local Author Aaron Dworkin

Lessons in Gratitude: A Memoir on Race, the Arts, and Mental Health

The Roadhouse is honored to welcome back local author Aaron Dworkin to celebrate the release of his latest work, Lessons in Gratitude: A Memoir on Race, the Arts, and Mental Health, on Tuesday October 8th. Join us as Aaron, a MacArthur Fellow, social entrepreneur, UofM professor, multimedia artist, and poetjournalist, dives into his story about how he has dedicated his life’s work to changing the face of classical arts in the world. The themes of persistence, passion, and loyalty shine through stories of a lifelong search for identity and the obstacles of race, culture, and class. Readers will learn how the author greets these challenges and how they drove him to make a difference for people who are shut out of opportunity. Persistence in the face of multiple obstacles ultimately led Dworkin to create the Sphinx Organization, whose mission is to transform lives through the power of diversity in the arts.

Of Lessons in Gratitude, Lara Downes, host of NPR’s Amplify and a Billboard Chart–topping recording artist, says:
“An open, honest, and compassionate account of a singular life in which music, art, community, and humanity are inextricably connected. Aaron Dworkin’s story is proof positive of the immense power of the arts to change the world for the better, in ways both big and small, immediate and long-lasting.”

Lessons of Gratitude is a coming-of-age story that examines the difficulties of biracial identity across generations and the challenges that mixed-race families still face today. On October 8th, Aaron will open up about how he has overcome these challenges as he explores his latest compelling work, and we would love for you to hear what he has to say in person. Enjoy delicious Roadhouse snacks, but bring an appetite for a transformative experience with Aaron Dworkin!