It's back to the classroom, as "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" heads out to Indiana college campuses this fall! The first stop was my alma mater, Ball State University. What a special time we had in the David Letterman Building. I met excited telecommunications, journalism and public relations students, who were wide-eyed and ready to step into an industry that is rapidly changing everyday.
To say that the students energized me is an understatement. We talked about the power and the responsibility of our written words and broadcasts. That's when I was able to share about the impact of the Carol Jenkins murder investigation and the passion that fueled me to pen "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf!"
I remembered being those students, dreaming about working in local news and telling powerful stories. I never dreamed though that I would be able to see something as dramatic as a 33-year old murder mystery solved, in part, because my station dared to dig a little deeper into the investigation.
It's been decades since I last sat in a classroom as a college student at Ball State. But I can honestly say I learn something new every single day, as I continue to work at my craft, and take on the role as a published author. My beginnings are humble, but now as I look back, I treasure a rich experience at a university that taught me above all things to climb over the obstacles.
I told the students about Dr. Darrell Wible. My telecommunications law professor who used to drill me in class to see if I was prepared. I didn't like it back then, but he's someone I will never forget. (He's also got a big fan in David Letterman!) I appreciate Dr. Wible, because he wanted to draw out the best in me from the very beginning. And now even in his 80's (I'm guessing) he's still right there sending encouragement my way. The other day I got a big box in the mail. It was two of his published books. In one of them "The Letterman Gang" he mentions receiving a letter of thanks from me after I landed my first job. He had no idea I had already purchased a copy from the BSU library. But it was the thought that counted, especially since he is recovering from a stroke.
Still he wrote: "A book? A real achievement. Wonderful -- The Girl in the Yellow Scarf."
Thanks Dr. Wible. Thanks Ball State University. And thanks to the students who made the kick-off to my college book tour so special!! Next...stay tuned.
(ISBN: 978-0-615-60705-4) She was a child witness with an impossible choice... Now Sandra Chapman takes you beyond the headlines of the $7 dollar secret and the key to solving the 1968 case.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Let's Talk! The first book club to feature "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" was amazing! A group of diverse women gathered in a Carmel, Indiana neighborhood. They shared their insights into the 1968 murder mystery, that took the life of Carol Jenkins and nearly destroyed the life of a child witness, who was finally able to divulge the horrible secret.
We talked about the City of Martinsville, and the reputation that preceded the 1968 killing. At least one of the book club members was from the Bloomington area. Her comments added another layer of experience to the discussion. She herself had lived through other public events that helped to shape the image of Martinsville.
Nearly everyone had an opinion about the killer, his schemes and the unfathomable accounts detailing his behavior. I even had some new records to share that recently turned up by surprise. All of it shedding light into the makeup of a man void of compassion.
And then there was the daughter, a young girl betrayed of her innocence. Despite what she's been through, she's now able to forgive and speak well of some of the adults in her life that should have done more to protect her.
We talked for hours.. Each woman there representing something in her own right. Mothers, wives, professionals, and volunteers. I'm so proud that we could gather and just simply talk. I'm grateful for each one and most of all that we could unite in a couple of thoughts:
"No woman should lose her life because of racism" and "No child should ever be subjected to callous inhumane behavior."
The conversations must continue.
We talked about the City of Martinsville, and the reputation that preceded the 1968 killing. At least one of the book club members was from the Bloomington area. Her comments added another layer of experience to the discussion. She herself had lived through other public events that helped to shape the image of Martinsville.
Nearly everyone had an opinion about the killer, his schemes and the unfathomable accounts detailing his behavior. I even had some new records to share that recently turned up by surprise. All of it shedding light into the makeup of a man void of compassion.
And then there was the daughter, a young girl betrayed of her innocence. Despite what she's been through, she's now able to forgive and speak well of some of the adults in her life that should have done more to protect her.
We talked for hours.. Each woman there representing something in her own right. Mothers, wives, professionals, and volunteers. I'm so proud that we could gather and just simply talk. I'm grateful for each one and most of all that we could unite in a couple of thoughts:
"No woman should lose her life because of racism" and "No child should ever be subjected to callous inhumane behavior."
The conversations must continue.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
I don't know where it started or why it moves me so much, but I have always wanted people who have been wronged to be made whole again. That's the earliest form of justice I remember as I think back over my path in life. It's what sparked my interest in Investigative Journalism. Even now when people tell me about situations that are clearly unfair or just plain wrong, my mind starts wondering about how to fix it. It's how I felt when I first met Carol Jenkins step-father Paul Davis. For 30-years he had searched for answers in his daughter's murder and no one could tell him much of anything.
Once I understood the injustice he and his family had endured, I was there. I wanted to use my role to help do something. And although I worked hard and hoped for the best, I had no idea what would unfold.
A few weeks ago, I met a man who has one of the biggest hearts for social justice: Mr. Harry Belafonte! At 85-years old he was still a beautiful man -- both his exterior good looks and his heart for humanity. As I spoke to him about gun violence that day and listened to the eloquent statements rolling off his lips, I felt emotion well up inside. I could feel the pleading in his voice. He wanted anyone who would listen to do something -- to stop the violence, to say no to injustice, to commit to building hope around the world. As I moved back to allow other reporters to have a chance to speak to this incredible person, I thought what have I done, what can I give? At that moment I realized I had a couple of copies of "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" in my bag. At once I grabbed one and wrote the following: "Harry B. Thanks for your gifts to humanity! I'm trying to do my part." I quietly approached his wife and asked if she would give it to him later. She said yes and tucked it in to her bag. I don't know if he has had a chance to read it, or if he ever will. But in that small exchange,
I felt connected to a greater purpose. One that calls us all to grow where we're planted and to make the most of the opportunities that we have to impact for good, the lives around us. No, I'm no where near Harry Belafonte when it comes to social justice. But I hope "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" is a step forward in understanding the impact on the lives of those hurt and haunted by crime and injustice.
Once I understood the injustice he and his family had endured, I was there. I wanted to use my role to help do something. And although I worked hard and hoped for the best, I had no idea what would unfold.
A few weeks ago, I met a man who has one of the biggest hearts for social justice: Mr. Harry Belafonte! At 85-years old he was still a beautiful man -- both his exterior good looks and his heart for humanity. As I spoke to him about gun violence that day and listened to the eloquent statements rolling off his lips, I felt emotion well up inside. I could feel the pleading in his voice. He wanted anyone who would listen to do something -- to stop the violence, to say no to injustice, to commit to building hope around the world. As I moved back to allow other reporters to have a chance to speak to this incredible person, I thought what have I done, what can I give? At that moment I realized I had a couple of copies of "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" in my bag. At once I grabbed one and wrote the following: "Harry B. Thanks for your gifts to humanity! I'm trying to do my part." I quietly approached his wife and asked if she would give it to him later. She said yes and tucked it in to her bag. I don't know if he has had a chance to read it, or if he ever will. But in that small exchange,
I felt connected to a greater purpose. One that calls us all to grow where we're planted and to make the most of the opportunities that we have to impact for good, the lives around us. No, I'm no where near Harry Belafonte when it comes to social justice. But I hope "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" is a step forward in understanding the impact on the lives of those hurt and haunted by crime and injustice.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Freedom! As we celebrate our country's birthday on July 4th, we are reminded that our rights to religious and personal freedoms came with a cost. In the 1960's African Americans also fought for equality and opportunity, many of which I enjoy this very day.
This week I celebrate all of those who gave of themselves to bring about change and to make our world a better place. I also celebrate the life and legacy of Carol Jenkins, a 21-year old young black woman who wanted to offer her talents to teaching. Unfortunately, Carol never got that chance because of ignorance and hatred. Carol is a symbol of the beautiful lives lost to a societal problem that we -- in this day and age -- can work to fix. In fact, I applaud those in Martinsville, Indiana who are working to foster diversity in their community, decades after Carol's tragic death in their town.
And now as "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf..." becomes the launch point for discussions in book clubs, and community organizations across the State and beyond, my sincerest hope is that we will identify ways to come together for justice, truth and love where we live.
There will always be those who try to detract from the message at heart. They can't see beyond their own shallow viewpoints, which are often related to style or other insignificant criticisms, in order to get to what really matters. We can only pray.. pray that the work that needs to move forward and the voices of those willing to take the challenge, will speak louder, sweeter and more direct to the masses that desire even greater change.
In the coming weeks, we will offer discussion points for "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" to help facilitate book clubs already looking to delve into this Indiana case with issues of abuse and domestic violence hidden in its shadows.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
It's thrilling to see "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf..." circulating across the state! What's more exciting is hearing back from those who have read the book. I got a call from one of the investigators on the case. You always wonder what the actual people that your write about, who lived this case for years will think of your work. Well I got my answer. The investigator said he enjoyed the read and thought it was great. He also learned some things he didn't know! Humility...and genuine desire to see these cases solved. He was so sweet, he actually asked me "Do you want another one?" I paused for a second. Did he mean another book? No, no, he was talking about another cold case he wishes he could have solved!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
"The Girl in the Yellow Scarf.." is now available on the shelves of two bookstore locations!!! So if you stop by one of these new locations..ask for it by name!
Barnes & Noble at Clearwater Crossing
3748 E. 82nd Street, Indianapolis
or
Black Dog Books in the Village of downtown Zionsville
115 S. Main Street
And for your convenience, you can still order through Prince Media Group on Amazon.com.
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