American Scare: An Evening with Robert W. Fieseler

A vital story for both our history and our present day, American Scare is a riveting exposé of how the Florida government became determined to destroy the lives of Black and queer citizens in the 1950s.

In January of 1959, Art Copleston was escorted out of his college accounting class by three police officers. In a motel room, blinds drawn, he sat in front of a state senator and the legal counsel for the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee. His crime? Being a suspected homosexual. And the government of Florida would use any tactic at their disposal—legal or not—to get Copleston to admit it.

Using a secret trove of primary source documents that have been decoded for the first time in history, award-winning journalist Robert Fieseler unravels the mystery of what actually happened behind the closed doors of the Johns Committee. In this fast-paced true crime story, Fieseler places readers in the center of the action, illustrating the shocking techniques the government would use to intimidate and break those who they saw as a threat to Florida’s white, conservative identity.

The state of Florida would prefer if its history remained buried. But for almost a decade, the Florida Legislature founded, funded, and supported the Johns Committee—an organization using the cover of communism to viciously attack members of the NAACP and queer professors and students. Fieseler describes the heartbreaking ramifications for the citizens of Florida whose lives were imperiled, profiling marginalized residents with compassion, curiosity, and a determination to bring their devasting experiences into the limelight at last. A propulsive, human-centered drama, with fascinating insight into Florida politics, American Scare is a page-turning reckoning of our racist and homophobic past—and its chilling parallels to today. About American Scare

A vital exposé for both our history and our present day, American Scare tells the riveting story of how the Florida government destroyed the lives of Black and queer citizens in the twentieth century.

In January 1959, Art Copleston was escorted out of his college accounting class by three police officers. In a motel room, blinds drawn, he sat in front of a state senator and the legal counsel for the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee, nicknamed the “Johns Committee.” His crime? Being a suspected homosexual. And the government of Florida would use any tactic at their disposal—legal or not—to get Copleston to admit it.

Using a secret trove of primary source documents that have been decoded and de-censored for the first time in history, journalist Robert Fieseler unravels the mystery of what actually happened behind the closed doors of an inquisition that held ordinary citizens ransom to its extraordinary powers.

The state of Florida would prefer that this history remain buried. But for nearly a decade, the Florida Legislature founded, funded, and supported the Johns Committee—an organization using the cover of communism to viciously attack members of the NAACP and queer professors and students. Spearheaded by Charley Johns, a multi-term politician in a gerrymandered legislature, the Committee was determined to eliminate any threats to the state’s white, conservative regime.

Fieseler describes the heartbreaking ramifications for citizens of Florida whose lives were imperiled, profiling marginalized residents with compassion and a determination to bring their devasting experiences to light at last. A propulsive, human-centered drama, with fascinating insight into Florida politics, American Scare is a page-turning reckoning of our racist and homophobic past—and its chilling parallels to today.

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6 pm reception/6:30 pm program
Free & open to the public. Registration required.

Copies of American Scare will be available for sale & signing courtesy of Joseph-Beth Cincinnati.

About Robert W. Fieseler

Robert W. Fieseler is a journalist investigating marginalized groups and a scholar excavating forgotten histories. A National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Journalist of the Year and recipient of the Pulitzer Traveling Fellowship, his debut book Tinderbox won seven awards, including the Edgar Award, and his reporting has appeared in Slate, Commonweal, and River Teeth, among others. Fieseler graduated co-valedictorian from the Columbia Journalism School and is pursuing a PhD at Tulane University as a Mellon Fellow. He lives with his husband on the gayest street in New Orleans.

About Chris Ashwell

Chris Ashwell is an award-winning storyteller, filmmaker, and co-founder of Cincy Stories, a nonprofit dedicated to building community through story. With 13 Emmy Awards recognizing his work across broadcast television, national campaigns, and feature documentaries, Chris is known for his immersive, authentic approach to capturing real-life narratives. As moderator, he brings a deep passion for meaningful conversation and a commitment to exploring the power of non-fiction storytelling to connect us and reveal shared truths.