I am Joseph Marlin McKinney, the author of The Durham House Night School, and I am raising funds to help bring this book into readers’ hands. This project grew out of the stories my elders told me and the history that was left out of textbooks. I kept hearing about places where Black families had to teach themselves after dark because they were not allowed in schools. My book shares an untold story of Black education, resilience, and community in Kentucky through the story of the Durham House. To me, the Durham House became a place that helped people who were not part of blue blood society, a community that chose knowledge over silence. I did most of my research at the University of Kentucky, at the WT. Young Library. Writing this book has been deeply personal, and I want to make sure this history is seen, remembered, and shared. This isn’t just history to me; it’s about families helping each other. It’s why we must tell this story that’s been hidden for so long.

Your support will help me print 500 copies of the book through Sheridan Book Company, rent a storage unit to safely keep the books until they are ready for distribution, and work toward getting a used cargo van so I can deliver books to stores here in Kentucky. I am taking this one step at a time, with the hope of later expanding to Amazon. Every donation, share, and word of encouragement will help me move forward. If this story speaks to you, please consider supporting my journey and helping me bring this important piece of Kentucky history to life.