LINCROFT – “Hope is like a path in the countryside. Originally there is nothing – but as people walk this way again and again, a path appears.”
This is a quote from Chinese essayist Lu Xun, and the inspiration for the title of a new book by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof and his wife, author Sheryl WuDunn. “A Path Appears: Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunity,” tells the stories of ordinary people who are changing the world through innovation, volunteerism and advocacy.
Kristof and WuDunn will appear at Brookdale Community College on Sept. 30 to speak about the book. WuDunn explained that the title is a metaphor for bringing about change close to home and how we can all become better global citizens.
“This is how solutions are created,” she said. “Ordinary individuals can make a difference. I think every little bit helps.”
Kristof joined the New York Times in 1984 and became a columnist in 2001, writing extensively about global poverty, health and gender issues, the genocide in Darfur and his opposition to the Iraq war. WuDunn, a former New York Times executive and journalist, is a lecturer and best-selling author, and now works in investment banking. The two are known for reporting on global conflicts, social justice and women’s issues.
Their interest started while working as foreign correspondents in Asia and seeing the data about missing female babies in China. Back then, China still had its one-child policy. Boys were coveted over girls for their ability to work hard and carry on the family name, so female babies were often aborted or thrown away after birth.
“I thought about all those missing babies and the challenges facing girls all around the world,” WuDunn said.
Along with her husband, she co-authored “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide,” about the challenges of women and girls worldwide. Kristof and WuDunn were the first married couple to win the Pulitzer Prize, taking the honor in 1990 for their reporting of the Tiananmen Square protests and the pro-democracy student movement in China.
“It was totally unexpected,” WuDunn said. “We are incredibly grateful that people recognized that our coverage was worthy of that.”
Kristof won a second Pulitzer in 2006 for his columns about genocide in Darfur. It’s a busy life for this couple, who make their home in the New York City area. They have two demanding careers and three children.
“Writing books allows us to spend time together,” WuDunn said.
Though they will often be speaking separately on the book tour, Kristof and WuDunn will appear together at Brookdale. The event is hosted by the school’s Center for Holocaust, Human Rights and Genocide Education (Chhange). The center is a nonprofit volunteer organization that serves the community through its educational services and offers an extensive library of books and periodicals, and permanent archives of artifacts, memorabilia and documents from local survivors.
“These authors have spent decades on the front lines of the fight for human rights,” said Dale Daniels, executive director of Chhange. “Their actions exemplify the mission and work of Chhange. We know their engaging presentation will inspire students and the community at large.”
The event takes place at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Brookdale Community College’s Collins Arena, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. Community members are invited to join in the discussion and learn how to create positive change close to home.
Advance tickets are available for $30 and include a copy of “A Path Appears.”
Tickets at the door are $40 and include a copy of the book while supplies last. Parking is in lots 6 and 7. To register or for more information, call 732-224-1889 or visit www.chhange.org.
Arts and entertainment writer Mary Ann Bourbeau can be reached at mbourbeau@tworivertimes.com.
