Famous author and jazz musician James McBride will visit the Manual Educational Complex Friday, Sept. 19 for a motivational speech and concert. The event, which will also launch the school’s participation in the district’s Million Word campaign, will begin at 1 p.m.

McBride is author of the best-selling book “The Color of Water” and is on tour to promote his jazz debut release, “The Process, Volume One.”

“The Friends of Manual” has organized McBride’s visit, one of more than 30 stops around the country, with assistance from Comcast.

“The Color of Water” is McBride’s poignant memoir of his life as a black child growing up with a white mother. The book stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for two years and is required reading in many high schools and colleges across the country. McBride is also a former songwriter for Anita Baker, Grover Washington, Jr. and Gary Burton.

The Million Word campaign is part of the district’s ongoing literacy program; every student in the system is encouraged to read at least one million words each year. Reading is one of the keys to success that McBride promotes.

For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 720-423-3414.