Friday, February 16, 2024
THROUGH ANOTHER'S EYES:
How Misunderstanding Pulled the Cherokee Nation into the Civil War
W. Dale Weeks, PhD
Historian W. Dale Weeks will be Lifetime Learning’s first luncheon speaker for 2024 on February 16th. Weeks’ research has focused on the Cherokee Nation’s struggle for a lasting homeland and the right to self-rule. His book Cherokee Civil Warrior (U. of Oklahoma Press, 2023) relates the story of Chief John Ross’s leadership before, during, and after the Civil War when the tribe was forced to give up their neutrality and align with the Confederacy. Unlike many books on American Indian history, Weeks tells the story from the viewpoint of the Cherokee.
 
Dr. Week’s own story is as interesting as his scholarship. He was born in Dallas, a seventh generation Texan of Muscogee (Creek), Scottish, and German heritage. His parents became educators on the Navaho Reservation in New Mexico where he thus grew up immersed in Navajo culture.

Weeks came late to his scholarly pursuits. He began his PhD in 2014 when he was 49 years old, but had to suspend his education due to a medical condition requiring multiple surgeries over several years. He resumed his studies at Texas A&M University in Native American and African American history and the history of the American Civil War. Weeks graduated in 2020 at age 56—years older than his classmates, and some of his professors! He is currently a professor of Texas and United States history at the Bryan campus of Blinn College.

Students have described Dr. Weeks as engaging and passionate, making history come alive. They say he shines a light on why events happened and allows students to develop their own opinions about history. Presuming this forecasts his Lifetime Learning presentation, he will be an entertaining and enlightening speaker. If that’s not enough to pique your interest, Weeks has also been a consultant to the hit PBS show Finding Your Roots!

Mark your calendars for February 16th, 11:30 a.m., at The Cannery Kitchen, 314 E. Alamo St. in Brenham. Register for this luncheon ($25) by February 14th,
Friday, February 16, 2024
​11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

The Cannery
314 East Alamo
Brenham TX
​ 
$25 per person
BUY TICKETS ONLINE:
Registration deadline:  Saturday, February 14th
Dr. W. Dale Weeks
OR... MAIL A CHECK TO:
       Lifetime Learning
       P. O. Box 513
       Brenham, TX 77834