Crossing the Redline in a Divided City:

Historical Novel Paves the Way for Candid Conversations on Race and Community in the Shocker Neighborhood

Acclaimed voice actors perform ‘radio theater’ for a national audience, listen to samples below!

THE REAL EDUCATION OF TJ CROWLEY

Set in the shadow of Wichita State University’s campus, The Real Education of TJ Crowley is a work of historical fiction depicting actual events and real people who lived on both sides of the redline at a time when Wichita was among the most racially segregated cities in the nation.

The story takes place during the volatile time that followed the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the enactment of the Fair Housing Act. The new law of the land was intended to open up previously segregated neighborhoods to Black residents. However, the journey for Black residents to cross the redline and purchase homes in formerly all-white neighborhoods in northeast Wichita was fraught with obstacles, danger, and resistance.

Growing up, Grant lived just one block from the dividing line on the white side of Hillside when a Black family crossed the line and moved next door. Regrettably, instead of getting to know the new neighbors, his parents put up a for-sale sign and his family moved away without ever knowing their new neighbors’ names. In preparing to write the story, he conducted interviews with people on both sides of the redline to create a realistic and compelling work of historical fiction.

The Real Education of TJ Crowley has been awarded "Book of the Year" by the Kansas Authors’ Club and was selected for the "Candid Conversations on Race Book Club" by the Wichita Public Library. Additionally, the novel has been included in the curriculum for the History of Wichita and Racial Profiling courses at Wichita State University.

"In local history, it’s not uncommon for the best, most insightful works to be those of fiction. Because readers are given a sense of tone, connection, identity, and place. This is one of those works that will resonate with Wichita and beyond. It builds on the shoulders of so much scholarship. It should be an entry into a discussion, a starting point to a discussion." — Dr. Jay Price, Professor of Local and Community History

About the Story (Synopsis)

In Wichita, Kansas during the Civil Rights Era in the summer of 1968, 13-year-old TJ Crowley is forced to confront his prejudices when a distinguished Black family, the Washingtons, crosses the redline and moves next door to his bigoted family in a formerly all-white neighborhood. With the recent slaying of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sparking riots and the Vietnam War raging, tensions are high.

After his father’s mysterious departure and his brother Ronnie takes off to fight in Vietnam, TJ Crowley is left alone with his racist and fearful mother Kate. She calls upon "Uncle Ray," just released from prison, to help her harass and intimidate the new neighbors. Ray recruits TJ to help build a privacy fence between the properties, but TJ's new neighbor Ivy and his classmate Andy at Brooks Junior High School encourage him to see beyond his racist upbringing.

With Dr. Washington's secret coaching help, TJ works to make the track team. Meanwhile, the police search for Ray becomes more violent. When Ray and Kate discover TJ's forbidden visits into the Washington’s home, a dangerous confrontation forces TJ to choose between ignorance and knowledge, and which side of the fence feels more like home.

Listen to the TJ Crowley Audio Drama!

A full cast of stellar voice actors led by Dani Martineck, Dion Graham and Tavia Gilbert is bringing the story to life in a radio theater-like drama, creating a provocative and compelling immersive listening experience that vividly captures the struggle for racial justice and equality in America.

A listening event was held recently at Shocker Studios, led by Producer/Director May Wuthrich, with commentary provided by Wichita State University professors Dr. Michael Birzer and Dr. Gretchen Eick. It was an opportunity for students, faculty, and community members to hear samples of the work in progress and to participate in a lively discussion about the story.

As Wichitans, we have an opportunity to engage with the issues raised in The Real Education of TJ Crowley and to continue the fight for equity, opportunity, and justice in America. Group listening and book club events could prompt meaningful discussions as we explore the importance of friendships and education to bridge the fences of our racial divides.

PRELUDE (1:44): Sounds of protest are heard as a news broadcaster reports on riots following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Wichita’s ARISE Ensemble sings the Negro Spiritual "Hold On" to end this dramatic introduction.