Local Author Explores Difficult Chapter of Avoyelles History in New Book

A new book by Avoyelles native Donald Gregory Prier is asking readers to look directly at an often-overlooked and uncomfortable chapter of local history, one that is frequently discussed in broader statewide terms but less often examined through a parish-level lens.

Titled “1892: A Forgotten Chapter in Louisiana History,” the work is set in Avoyelles Parish during a period historians identify as a high point of racial violence and lynching across the American South. National historical context underscores the significance of that time. According to the National Humanities Center, 1892 marked one of the peak years for lynching in the United States, with at least 230 documented deaths.

Prier’s book places Avoyelles Parish within that larger historical landscape while focusing on local experiences. The narrative explores how racial tensions in the late 1800s contributed to acts of violence, intimidation and displacement within communities. The work examines how everyday conflicts could escalate, raising broader questions about how individuals and groups can be drawn into acts of mob violence and retribution.

The book presents a combination of factual and fictional storytelling centered around events in Avoyelles Parish. According to published descriptions, the factual portion outlines the historical climate of the time, including accounts of violence, threats and the displacement of Black families. The fictionalized portion builds upon those themes through a narrative inspired by real events, offering readers a more detailed look at how such incidents may have unfolded.

One element that sets the project apart is its use of artificial intelligence-generated imagery. The inclusion of these visuals reflects an effort to combine traditional historical research with modern storytelling tools, offering readers a different way to engage with the material.

Prier’s connection to Avoyelles Parish runs deep. Born in Mansura in 1947 to Oliver and Beulah Walton Prier, he was one of 12 children. He attended Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic School and graduated from Mary Bethune High School in Marksville. At Southern University he earned a degree in chemistry, and later attended Louisiana State University, where he received a doctorate in physical organic chemistry. He went on to have a long professional career, retiring as a senior research and development leader with Dow Chemical Company in 2009.

In addition to “1892,” Prier has authored multiple works focused on African American history in central Louisiana, particularly in the Mansura area. His previous titles include Back Through the Veil (Books I and II) and a research edition, all of which reflect his ongoing effort to document local stories that may otherwise go unrecorded.

For readers seeking broader historical context, modern research supports the presence of racial violence in the region during that era. The Equal Justice Initiative documents four known victims of racial terror lynchings in Avoyelles Parish between 1877 and 1950. Additional historical references, including records noted in the Congressional Record, also point to incidents in Avoyelles Parish during the early days of September 1892.

Public listing information indicates the book was independently published and released on Feb. 14, 2026. Copies are available through Amazon, and signed editions have been offered directly through the author.

Through a combination of research, storytelling and local perspective, Prier’s latest work encourages readers to reflect on a difficult chapter of history while considering its lasting impact on communities like Avoyelles Parish.