Massachusetts Gov. Patrick introduces new book, April 13

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick will introduce his new book, "A Reason to Believe: Lessons From an Improbable Life," at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13.

In January 2007, Patrick became the first African American governor of Massachusetts, one of only two African American governors elected in American history.

That was just one triumphant step in a long, improbable journey that began in a poor tenement on the south side of Chicago -- from a chaotic childhood to an elite boarding school in New England to a sojourn doing relief work in Africa to the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies and now to a career in politics. Patrick has led an extraordinary life guided by the advice of his grandmother: Hope for the best and work for it.

Reservations are required and may be made at [email protected] or by calling 202-662-7523.

A graduate of Harvard University and Harvard Law School, Patrick has worked as attorney for the NAACP and Legal Defense Fund and was later appointed by President Bill Clinton as the assistant attorney general for civil rights.

He has also been general counsel of Texaco and Coca-Cola. In 2010, he was re-elected governor of Massachusetts. Patrick and his wife Diane have been married for more than 25 years and have two adult daughters.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Proceeds benefit the Eric Freidheim National Library. No outside books will be permitted. There is a $5.00 charge for non-members.