The Kentucky Proud Evenings series continues on Tuesday, Feb. 19, with Terry Foody, author of “The Cherokee and the Newsman.” The free monthly series, hosted by Fayette County Cooperative Extension Service, celebrates Kentucky’s rich literary culture with author discussions and samples from Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud recipes.

In 1828, as part of a Cherokee delegation to Washington City, Sequoyah stopped in Kentucky to search for his father, Nathaniel Gist. Here he met his 4-year-old half-nephew, Henry Howard Gratz, the future founder of The Gazette, a Lexington newspaper. Sequoyah derived the first written language for an indigenous American tribe. Within a short time, the Cherokee Nation’s literacy rate soared. The tribe published their own newspaper, The Cherokee Phoenix, as well as a Cherokee translation of the Bible. Gratz published editorials and news for 37 years from Reconstruction through the Gilded Age.

The stories of these two men linked by blood, span seven states, three centuries and four wars. Sequoyah, Gratz and their famous relatives were on the forefront of American history, interacting with Washington, Jackson and Lincoln.

Terry Foody is a registered nurse with a love for history. She has been recognized for her work as a research nurse coordinator, having coordinated research projects on new medications for high blood pressure, cholesterol, osteoporosis, organ transplant and lung cancer at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. She has authored numerous articles on health issues. Her previous book, “The Pie Seller, the Drunk, and the Lady” focused on the 1833 cholera epidemic in Lexington.

“No preparation or prior reading is required. These monthly author talks are not only enjoyable, but enlightening, as they open the door to new insights and knowledge,” said Liz Kingsland, Fayette County family and consumer sciences extension agent.

Kentucky Proud Evenings begin at 6 p.m. at the Fayette County Extension office, 1140 Harry Sykes Way in Lexington.

Make reservations for the event by calling the Fayette County Extension office at 859-257-5582. Foody will be signing copies of “The Cherokee and the Newsman,” which will be available for sale that evening.

UK Cooperative Extension Service is part of the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, which is dedicated to improving people's lives through excellence in education, research and outreach.