EUGENE–Author Alex Kotlowitz, whom some critics contend wrote one of the 150 most important books of the 20th century, will speak at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 14, in the Alumni Lounge of Gerlinger Hall, 1468 University St. at the University of Oregon.

The award-winning author is the UO School of Journalism and Communication’s Johnston Lecturer for 2000. In his speech, "From Both Sides of the River: Writing on Race," Kotlowitz will explain the difficulties he encountered while doing research for his most recent nonfiction book, "The Other Side of the River: A Story of Two Towns, a Death, and America’s Dilemma."

"Alex Kotlowitz’s writing about race and poverty in America makes an important contribution to the national discussion of the most important issue of our time," says Tim Gleason, dean of the UO School of Journalism and Communication. " We are pleased to have him lecture and teach in our Literary Nonfiction program for the weekend."

Kotlowitz’s work has achieved national acclaim. His best-selling 1991 book, "There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in the Other America," was adapted in the fall of 1993 by the ABC television network for its Movie-of-the-Week starring Oprah Winfrey.

Critics have noticed the award-winning potential of "The Other Side of the River…" which confronts issues of race and poverty in America. The body of a black teenager surfaces in a river dividing two towns–one affluent and white and one impoverished and black.

After investigating his story for five years in order to discern between the myths of race relations and the reality, Kotlowitz says he found that facts are elusive.

Kotlowitz has received the Helen B. Bernstein Award for Excellence in Journalism, the Carl Sandburg Award, a Christopher Award, as well as journalism honors including the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award and the George Polk Award.

His writing career began as a weekly news reporter in Lansing, Mich. Most recently, he was a writer-in-residence at Northwestern University and has been a Distinguished Visitor at the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

From 1984 to 1993, Kotlowitz wrote on urban affairs and social policy for the Wall Street Journal. Prior to joining the Journal, he worked as a freelance writer, contributing regularly to the MacNeil-Lehrer News Hour, National Public Radio and various magazines.

Kotlowitz continues to write and speak on issues concerning race and poverty, including appearances on college campuses and articles in the New York Times Sunday Magazine.

The UO Johnston lecture is free and open to the public as provided by an endowment from the Richard W. Johnston Memorial Project. For more information, contact the School of Journalism and Communication, (541) 346-3738.

—30—

#P-1100/Local,PDX,OMA/mkl