One of our own English teachers, Mr. Hairston, released his debut poetry collection Pretend the Ball is Jim Crow this past February!
The book spotlights the career of Josh Gibson, one of the greatest power-hitters in the history of baseball players, and his struggles on getting to the point he is in his life.
“Josh Gibson is considered THE greatest power-hitter catcher,” says Hairston, “to ever play in the name of baseball”
Mr. Hairston was inspired by his high school English teacher at Tates Creek High School, who encouraged him to write a book similar to the ones they were studying in class. While reading poems about Jackie Robinson and other athletes, he discovered Josh Gibson. Now, he hopes to inspire his own students in a similar way.
“I hope that one of my very own students will join me as a Kentucky author!” says Hairston.
Mr. Hairston said it took him ten years to write the book in its entirety. While the idea was always there, and the writing process was ever evolving, his focus shifted to his education and obtaining his three degrees.
In addition to being a teacher here at Douglass, and now a published author, he is a husband and a father to two wonderful children. Check out a copy of Pretend the Ball Is Named Jim Crow today in our school library!
