July 31, 2025
Fireside Chat Launches “Without Apology” Tour in Madison
On July 31, 2025, the Urban League of Greater Madison hosted the first stop of Dr. Sagashus T. Levingston’s Without Apology book tour—an intimate and deeply moving Fireside Chat and book signing centered around her latest release, A Pot to Piss In. The Madison stop was intentionally chosen in honor of Dr. Ruben Anthony and the Urban League’s impact within the community.
Over the course of two hours, Dr. Levingston delivered a raw account of her lived experiences, drawn from her memoir, which blends deep personal narratives with social commentary, cultural reflection, and unapologetic truth-telling. Dr. Ruben Anthony offered his own reflections growing up in low-income housing, helping to guide the conversation toward topics such as generational trauma, molestation, stereotypes of Black communities, housing insecurity, poverty, fatherhood, and the complexities of balancing motherhood with womanhood.
Her storytelling was both unflinching and intimate, capturing the struggles of invisibility, identity, and survival, particularly among women of color navigating single parenting and systemic barriers.
Throughout the discussion, she challenged the idea that a woman’s story must be “perfect” until it is put on paper. Her message was clear. Healing begins with honesty, and there is strength in imperfection. Her “if I can do it, you can do it” mentality resonated with audience members. They listened intently as she referenced selected chapters from her book. The excerpts sparked exchanged glances, nods of understanding, and quiet moments of collective recognition—feelings that were all too familiar, rooted in both hardship and triumph.
Dr. Levingston’s reflections on housing illustrated the profound impact of homeownership on mental health, safety, and generational stability. She explored themes of sexual trauma, mental health, and the power of building a culture children can believe in—all with a transparency that visibly moved the room.
The evening concluded with a vibrant Q&A and a book signing filled with laughter, tears, and moments of connection. Thanks to Dr. Sagashus, the night became more than a reading, more than a gathering—it was a call to reflection and a powerful reminder that storytelling—even the hardest parts—have the ability to transform lives through the raw truths.
