In 2020 we had the pleasure of meeting author and educator Jan Batiste Adkins and hearing her speak at a Stanford history conference. Adkins is a knowledgeable researcher, gifted writer and engaging public speaker who is passionate about increasing awareness of African American history in our region. She is an inspiration to her readers as well as her students.
Adkins’ first three books are included in the Images of America series from Arcadia Publishing. They provide a poignant look at the early history of African American communities in San Jose, Santa Clara and Monterey Counties, and San Francisco. In these books, Adkins chronicles the important contributions of many individuals and families to the development of African American community life in Northern California and to the preservation of their heritage for future generations. Adkins is working on new projects and we look forward to seeing more from her.
Read about Adkins and her work in our column, Historically Speaking, in the Winter 2023 issue of gmhTODAY magazine now available online and around town!
Order Jan Adkins’ books online or through our popular local bookstore, BookSmart of Morgan Hill.
