Columbia County Library
features Befaithful Coker
"Etiquette for the African American"
Columbia County, FL (posted July 18, 2010 02:10 pm)
People came from Suwannee County to enjoy Ms. Coker's
presentation
The Library developed a Florida Author Series during our year-long 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2008-2009. The series became very popular and we have continued it with usually one program per month.
It is always nice to showcase our local authors and such was the case with Befaithful Coker's program last Sunday. She talked about her inspiration for writing her book, Etiquette for the African-American.
Her two lovely daughters provided demonstrations on various aspects of dining etiquette.
Ms. Coker's 4 year old stole the show, as she does
everywhere she goes.
The program was well received by the audience with some attendees even coming from Suwannee County and I am pleased we will continue the etiquette theme, as Ms. Coker will provide four etiquette classes for children in August.
Ms. Coker's presentation was a bit different from our usual author programs because of the actual etiquette demonstrations. It was fun to see her four year old daughter respond with expertise when asked, "Which fork do you use for salads?"
The Observer asked: "Do you think the School Board might
benefit from your book? Ms. Coker: "The effort of
academic success for children – it's the students – it’s
the parents – it's the community and of course it's the
school district – Absolutely.
A very moving part of the program occurred when she unexpectedly introduced a former student, who came to the microphone and spoke about how the series of etiquette classes she had taken with Ms. Coker had enriched her life. She was poised and it was exciting to see a young lady be so interested in manners.
I think many of us sometimes feel that manners are lost on the younger generations. Not so at last Sunday's Florida Author Series program in our main meeting room.
.
(Photos, quotes and captions by the Observer.)