Terrebonne writer holds book signing at Nicholls

Nicholls State University hosted a book signing on Sunday for Terrebonne Parish resident John DeSantis and his new book, “Thibodaux Massacre, The: Racial Violence and the 1887 Sugar Cane Labor Strike.”

DeSantis’ book reflects on Thibodaux during an ugly period in American history. It describes the horrible events that took place during the 1887 Sugar Cane Labor Strike when thousands of workers led a three-week strike against several plantations in St. Mary, Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.

A crowd filled Le Bijou Theatre for a “meet the author” event where DeSantis talked about the process that went into gathering information for the book. He also took questions from the crowd, some of who were descendants of those who lost their lives, in the crowd.

DeSantis’ book was officially released Monday and is now available online.