photo by: Mike Yoder

R&B and gospel singer Mavis Staples waves to the audience on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, at Liberty Hall. Staples was visiting Lawrence as part of the Lawrence Public Library's 780s Series, which brings prominent musicians to Lawrence to tell stories from their careers. At left is University of Kansas professor Randal Jelks.

photo by: Mike Yoder

R&B and gospel singer Mavis Staples waves to the audience on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, at Liberty Hall. Staples was visiting Lawrence as part of the Lawrence Public Library’s 780s Series, which brings prominent musicians to Lawrence to tell stories from their careers.

photo by: Mike Yoder

R&B and gospel singer Mavis Staples takes a seat on stage on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, at Liberty Hall. Staples was visiting Lawrence as part of the Lawrence Public Library’s 780s Series, which brings prominent musicians to Lawrence to tell stories from their careers.

photo by: Mike Yoder

University of Kansas professor Randal Jelks, left, and R&B and gospel singer Mavis Staples, right, have a conversation onstage on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, at Liberty Hall. Staples was visiting Lawrence as part of the Lawrence Public Library’s 780s Series, which brings prominent musicians to Lawrence to tell stories from their careers.

photo by: Mike Yoder

The Ninth Street Missionary Baptist Church choir performs before R&B and gospel singer Mavis Staples’ appearance on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, at Liberty Hall.