Author Spotlight: “The Gift” by Yolande Spears at The Bushnell

The Bushnell in Hartford will host an Author Spotlight event on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, featuring Yolande Spears and her inspiring memoir The Gift. This deeply personal narrative begins in the early 1960s, when Spears’ father disappears without warning, leaving the family in sudden poverty. Confronted with her mother’s failing health, inner-city violence, and the harsh realities of institutionalized racism, Spears shares how bitterness gave way to resilience and hope through the unexpected arrival of a violin.

Told through a series of moving and often humorous episodes, The Gift is a testament to the transformative power of the arts and the strength of family support. The story is both an inspiration for young readers and a poignant reminder for adults of how creative expression and perseverance can shape a life against the odds.

The event is free and open to the public. The Bushnell is located at 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT. For more information, visit bushnell.org or call 860-987-5900.