News Summary
Shannon Hitchcock will launch her new children’s book, ‘Of Words & Water: The Story of Wilma Dykeman,’ at the East Tennessee History Center on May 13, 2025. The event includes a discussion with Jim Stokely, Dykeman’s son, and focuses on the author’s legacy and environmental advocacy. The illustrated book explores Dykeman’s life, her commitment to clean water, and her impact on literature and ecology.
Knoxville, TN – Shannon Hitchcock is set to introduce her new children’s book, Of Words & Water: The Story of Wilma Dykeman, at the East Tennessee History Center on Wednesday, May 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. This event will feature a discussion and reading from the book, accompanied by insights from Jim Stokely, the son of Wilma Dykeman and the current President of the Wilma Dykeman Legacy.
The book, illustrated by Sophie Page, explores the life and impact of Wilma Dykeman, an acclaimed writer, educator, environmentalist, and historian. Dykeman is celebrated for her advocacy in literature and her environmental efforts. Her initial words, “Water come down,” symbolize her deep and lifelong connection with the French Broad River, which remains a central theme in her writings and activism.
The gathering aims to highlight the inspirational journey of Dykeman, further exploring the significance of her work in both the fields of education and ecology. Shannon Hitchcock will share insights from her research, including Dykeman’s dedication to advocating for clean water and sustainable practices in her community.
Wilma Dykeman made substantial contributions to literature, having published 18 novels and nonfiction books. Her notable works include The Tall Woman, Look to this Day, and The French Broad. Dykeman’s writing frequently focused on Appalachian issues, showcasing her commitment to her roots and the challenges her community faced, particularly concerning environmental concerns that were often overlooked in her time.
Jim Stokely, who has had a distinguished career with the National Park Service and as a Human Resources consultant, will engage in the conversation about not only Dykeman’s legacy but also her lasting influence in today’s environmental advocacy. Stokely has published works that incorporate his mother’s unpublished manuscripts and has received recognition for his efforts, including the Tennessee Clean Water Network’s 2007 Bill Russell River Hero award, a title granted in honor of Dykeman’s environmental efforts.
Hitchcock, who has authored multiple children’s books such as Saving Granddaddy’s Stories, She Sang for the Mountains, and Story Quilts, draws inspiration from the mountains of Western North Carolina. Her dedication to preserving the legacy and stories of Appalachian culture aligns with Dykeman’s mission. The event offers an opportunity for the community to engage with the legacies of both women, focusing on how stories can inspire young readers to appreciate their environment and history.
In addition to being an accomplished author, Dykeman was a graduate of Northwestern University with a major in speech. Throughout her career, she collaborated with her husband on significant works addressing social issues such as integration in the South. By 2015, the University of Tennessee Libraries had added the Wilma Dykeman and James R. Stokely Jr. papers to its special collections, ensuring that future generations can access and learn from their work.
The Wilma Dykeman Legacy organization has championed the mission of preserving and promoting her work and ideals, which continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about ecology and education. As part of this event, the East Tennessee History Center invites the public to come together to celebrate Wilma Dykeman’s enduring impact on literature and her advocacy for the environment.
For more information about the event or to RSVP, attendees can contact the East Tennessee Historical Society at 865-215-8830.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: Wilma Dykeman’s Sons Promote Family of Earth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee River
- Knox TN Today: Halle Hill and Terry Roberts at the East Tennessee History Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: East Tennessee State University
- Knox News: Knoxville to Observe Black History Month
