September 7, 2023

BATON ROUGE—The LSU Libraries Special Collections and the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs at the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication will host “Afternoon in the Archives: ‘Kingfish U’ with Bob Mann” on Sept. 13, at 3:30 p.m., at LSU’s Hill Memorial Library. The event, a 360-degree experience, will submerge the audience into the relationship between Huey P. Long and Louisiana State University, as well as provide insight into author Bob Mann’s research process for the book.

Political and history enthusiasts, students and the general public are invited to join this conversation about the connections between Long and LSU, discussed in Mann’s latest book “Kingfish U.” The event will feature a hands-on showcase of archival materials starting at 3:30 p.m., followed by a book talk at 6 p.m. with the author.

“We are always thrilled to support Bob,” said Jenée Slocum, director of the Reilly Center. “He is an amazing writer, and this time, we will be able to take a rare glimpse into his meticulous art of research. It’s a journey that promises to enlighten and inspire all who attend.”

Mann, who holds the Manship Chair in Journalism at the Manship School, is a prolific author and journalist with a long career in political communication. Prior to joining the Manship School in 2006, he served as communications director to the late former Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco. He joined the governor’s staff in 2004 after serving 17 years as state director and press secretary to former Louisiana Sen. John Breaux. Mann was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2015.

"I'm honored to share the research journey behind my book and the fascinating connections I found between LSU and Huey Long in the process,” Mann said.

The book talk will take place Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m. in the Lecture Room of the Hill Memorial Library at 95 Field House Drive on the campus of Louisiana State University. Admission is free and open to the public. Reserve your seat via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/44gEEmc. Starting at 3:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Hill Memorial Library, there will be a hands-on showcase of the archival materials that were used to design the book.

Parking meters, located in the West Stadium lot and the Union Square Garage, can be accessed from East Campus Drive. Visitor parking is available on the second, third and fourth floors of the garage for $1.50 per hour. For more information about visitor parking at LSU, visit the LSU Parking website.

For more information, contact acharbonnet1@lsu.edu.

###

Afternoon in the Archives is a series of hands-on showcases designed to explore various aspects of history and to help the LSU community learn more about the exciting resources at LSU Special Collections. Library staff will be available to talk about the collections and how they’re used in teaching and research. Follow us on Facebook @LSUSpecialCollections and Twitter @WhatintheHill.

The Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs is partnership-driven, action-oriented and dedicated to exploring contemporary issues at the intersection of mass communication and public life. Its interdisciplinary approach draws together experts from diverse fields to advance research and dialogue. The intent is to inspire our communities to think deeply, take action, develop solutions and broaden knowledge. Underlying the Center’s endeavors is to strengthen and advance the Manship School’s national and state leadership in media and politics. Follow us on Facebook @ReillyCenter, Twitter @ReillyCenter, Instagram @lsureillycenter and LinkedIn LSU Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs.

LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication ranks among the strongest collegiate communication programs in the country, with its robust emphasis on media and public affairs. It offers undergraduate degrees in public relations, journalism, political communication, digital advertising and pre-law, along with four graduate degree programs: Master of Mass Communication, Ph.D. in Media and Public Affairs, Certificate of Strategic Communication and a dual MMC/Law degree. Like us on Facebook @ManshipSchool, or follow us on Twitter @ManshipSchool, Instagram @ManshipSchool and LinkedIn LSU Manship School of Mass Communication.