The Adventures of Blind Tom

The Adventures of Blind Tom depicts the life story of Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins, an African American enslaved classical pianist, composer, and singer who performed to audiences around the world. As illustrator and writer of this children’s book, Dr. Obiora N. Anekwe uses poetry and collage imagery to tell the extraordinary life story of Blind Tom. His book is appropriate for children and parents affected by the challenges of autism and other audiences who want to learn more about America’s forgotten musical legends. This illustrative work also demonstrates how any child can overcome mental or physical challenges in order to become a successful and productive adult.

Author Biography

Obiora N. Anekwe is a writer, editor, poet, visual artist, bioethicist, counselor, and educator. He became interested in Blind Tom’s life story while growing up in Columbus, Georgia, the hometown of this musical genius. Dr. Anekwe is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University (B.A., Mass Media Arts with Honors), Tuskegee University (M.Ed., Counseling and Student Development), Auburn University (Ed.D., Administration of Higher Education with Honors), and Columbia University (M.S., Bioethics with High Honors and Distinction). He has written several articles and books in education and bioethics. Dr. Anekwe has had his artwork featured in or on the cover of medical ethics journals such as Academic Medicine, The Hastings Center’s Bioethics Forum, and Voices in Bioethics. He is a member of the New York Academy of Sciences and the American Chemical Society. Dr. Anekwe resides in Brooklyn, New York with his wife, Rev. Alexis Y. Southerland Anekwe.