On Second Thought For Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Brotherman, Sexual Abuse, Xernona Clayton, Cassie Beasley, Solar Eclipse

About 30 years ago, the “Brotherman” comic series paved the way for today’s black comics and superhero movement. Atlanta-based artist Dawud Anyabwile is the co-creator of Brotherman. We talk with him about a new exhibit in Atlanta chronicling Brotherman’s universe.

Nine Georgia men have filed a lawsuit against the Darlington School in Rome, alleging sexual abuse by former teacher Roger Stifflemore. The case has caused state lawmakers to propose expanding the Hidden Predator Act to give more time for victims to sue their abusers, and also allow them to sue institutions. We talk about this with Alan Judd, Investigative Reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. We're also speak with Paul Mones, an Atlanta-based attorney for sexual abuse victims, who is representing some of the victims in the Darlington lawsuit.

Fifty years ago this month, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke at the at the annual convention of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The Hyatt Regency in Atlanta opened its doors for the event. One of the conference’s planners was civil rights icon and journalist Xernona Clayton. She shares her memories of the conference.

When the nation first met Georgia author Cassie Beasley, it was in 2015 with the release of her debut novel, "Circus Mirandus." It went on to become a New York Times bestseller. Beasley’s books are targeted to middle schoolers, but the appeal of her storytelling is widespread. We talk with Beasley about her follow-up novel set in the Okefenokee Swamp, “Tumble and Blue.”

On Monday, the University of Georgia hosted an eclipse viewing party at Sanford Stadium. Over 15,000 people showed up in the stands to watch the day turn gray. GPB’s Ryan McFadin went between the hedges and brought us back an audio postcard.