Please join us for a virtual event with writer Fatima Shaik presenting her important new book, ECONOMY HALL: The Hidden History of a Free Black Brotherhood, just published by The Historic New Orleans Collection. She will be in conversation with bestselling author Wiley Cash. Shaik brings to light the free Black New Orleans brotherhood that supported its community through slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, white terrorism, and the birth of jazz. “In Economy Hall, Fatima Shaik has taken mere stick figures of American history and brought them to life as wise, vulnerable, determined men. This is a much-needed and long-awaited work.” —Lolis Eric Elie, writer for the HBO series Treme “Shaik’s rendition of her hometown is lyrical and mysterious and always captivating.” —Jane Dailey, The Short List - THE NEW YORK TIMES, February 9, 2021 Octavia Books is excited to offer this "Reader Meet Writer" program in partnership with the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance. To participate: 1. purchase ECONOMY HALL from Octavia Books at https://www.octaviabooks.com/book/9780917860805. The first 50 copies to be ordered will included special bookplates signed by the author. 2. see https://www.octaviabooks.com/event/economy-hall-fatima-shaik for event, ordering, and registration details.