Pilgrim Press book launch draws a crowd

The United Church of Christ’s Pilgrim Press hosted a book launch event on May 29 in collaboration with Loganberry Books in Shaker Heights, Ohio, for Randy Cunningham’s new book Where We Live: Environmental Activists’ Fight to Save Their Communities.

The event featured Cunningham in conversation with Cleveland journalist Sam Allard. The book is based on interviews the author conducted over the past fifteen years with activists throughout the Midwest and Appalachia. Cunningham is well known in Cleveland as the author of Democratizing Cleveland (Belt). More than 50 people attended.

Cunningham said he had a very good experience working with Pilgrim Press and Adam Bresnahan, production editor for the publishing house. “Adam took a rough manuscript and kept me focused on the heart of the book–people’s stories of activism.”

Asked about the importance of the subject matter of his book, Cunningham said the value is focusing on the activists of the Midwest, which is often thought of as “fly-over land.” He stressed that the coasts are often highlighted in this kind of work. “I interviewed people in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Missouri. Not a redwood or polar bear was to be found. The coasts often reign supreme in the culture of organizing. But these unsung activists and grass roots environmental causes are important. I write about ordinary people who do extraordinary things.”

The event showcased the power of bringing together a local press, local author, local bookstore, and local journalist to tell stories that might otherwise remain unheard. The book can be purchased online at the Pilgrim Press, and signed copies can be purchased at Loganberry Books.

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