Join Us for Ed Taylor’s The Power of the River
In a world that often feels fragmented, every so often a voice emerges that reminds us of the profound strength found in community, interdependence, and the quiet resilience of the human spirit. That voice belongs to Dr. Ed Taylor, and his new memoir, The Power of the River, is the story we need right now.
From the basketball courts of Gonzaga to the hallowed halls of the University of Washington, Ed Taylor’s journey is anything but traditional. It is a story of a "shy young boy" from Lompoc, California, who navigated poverty not as a series of hardships, but as a lesson in how a community cares for its own.
Why You Can't Miss This Story
As a first-generation college student and a Black athlete at a predominantly white institution, Ed faced the stinging questions of belonging that many young men in his position endure. But rather than hardening, he grew. Today, as the Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs at UW, Dr. Taylor is a pillar of the Seattle academic and social justice community.
The Power of the River is more than a memoir; it’s an invitation to celebrate the teachers, coaches, and "chance acquaintances" who lift us up. It’s a book that will bring you joy, spark frustration at systemic barriers, and ultimately leave you feeling a sense of radical hope.
Catch Ed Taylor In Person
We are thrilled to invite you to a series of local events where you can hear Dr. Taylor speak, share in the conversation, and get your copy of The Power of the River signed.
When: April 29, 7:00 pm
Where: Northwest African American Museum
Address: 2300 S Massachusetts St, Seattle, WA 98144
When: May 7, 7:00 pm
Where: Third Place Books Ravenna
Address: 6504 20th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
When: May 22, 7:00 pm
Where: Elliott Bay Bookstore
Address: 1521 10th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
When: June 2, 6:00 pm
Where: Folio: The Seattle Athenaeum
Address: 93 Pike St #307, Seattle, WA 98101
About the Author
Dr. Edward Taylor is a scholar, a former Gonzaga basketball player, and a dedicated advocate for social justice. Whether co-chairing the Race & Equity Initiative at UW or founding Rainier Scholars to support high-achieving children of color, Ed’s life work has been about creating "guardrails" for those who follow in his footsteps.
"Ed Taylor has been a friend, a colleague, a partner, a son, a father, a teacher, a student, and a fisher on the river of life—and here he shares what he knows of its power."
Don't wait—pre-order your copy today and join us at one of these four incredible Seattle venues!