Date: November 7, 2002
Contact: Karin Schilt
Phone: (909) 785-2001
E-mail: pr@lasierra.edu

Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1953, Davenport grew up in Long Beach, California. After graduating college with a B.A. and M.A. in English, he taught English to Vietnamese students. In 1977 he wrote his first script, Doomsday Ward, which won the gold medal for public service television at the 1977 Houston International Film Festival. As his career progressed, Davenport also wrote episodic television and directed short films and commercials. His credits include the award-winning television movie, "A Lesson in Loving." He has also produced and directed documentaries throughout Asia for various international relief agencies.

Photo by J. Brad Moore

Davenport's current project is a collaborative effort with country music legend Kenny Rogers. The two have created a touching and inspirational novel, Christmas In Canaan, an uplifting story of a friendship that develops between a poor white farm boy and a brilliant young black boy during the early 1960s in rural Texas.

Local appearances by Davenport include:

• "Reflecting on the Process of Writing" Wednesday, November 13, 3:00 p.m.
• Matheson Chapel, La Sierra University, Riverside, CA
  "In Praise of the Gambler: Reflections of a Co-Author" Wednesday, November 13, 7:00 pm
• Hole Memorial Auditorium, La Sierra University, Riverside, CA
• Book signing: Thursday, November 14, 7 p.m.
  Barnes & Noble, Riverside, CA

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