Community Reading Project on Anti-Racism
Read and Discuss the Issues: Dayton Metro Library & Dayton Daily News Host Community Reading Project on Anti-Racism.
Community Reading Project on Anti-Racism
As the Dayton area joins the rest of the nation in exploring and confronting issues of inequality, racism and justice reform, Dayton Metro Library invites the public to participate in a special community-wide reading project centered on the book Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad.
“This special version of The Big Read encourages all of us to focus on one topic, one book, together,” said Tim Kambitsch, Dayton Metro Library’s Executive Director. “This highly-regarded book offers a self-guided journey that invites readers to explore their own thoughts, and perhaps empower them to have a few uncomfortable self-conversations, then engage meaningfully with others.”
The book is available for unlimited borrowing in eBook and Audiobook formats through OverDrive at DaytonMetroLibrary.org through July 31, meaning an unlimited number of readers can borrow the book at the same time.
The book takes readers on a 28-day journey to dismantle the privilege within themselves so that they can stop (often unconsciously) inflicting damage on people of color, and in turn, help other white people to do better, too.
Dayton Metro Library and the Dayton Daily News will host a live streaming Panel Discussion, Wednesday, July 8, 5 - 6 p.m., on Facebook. Dayton Daily News Community Impact Editor, Amelia Robinson, will moderate a conversation about the issues raised in the book. Questions for the panelists to consider should be submitted in advance.
Live Panel Discussion: The Big Read Panel Discussion: Me and White Supremacy
“This will surely be an important conversation for our community as we all work to push Dayton forward,” Robinson said.
Panelists are:
- Debbie Feldman, President and CEO, Dayton Children’s Hospital
- Shannon Isom, President & CEO, YWCA Dayton
- Kevin M. Kelly, Executive Director, Dayton International Peace Museum
- Brian O. Martin, Executive Director, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission
“We have no doubt that hearing from these respected community leaders will help all of us better understand racism locally, and feel more knowledgeable and confident discussing ways we can move our community forward as a result,” said Kambitsch.
In addition to the Panel Discussion, the Library will offer suggested activities, as well as tips for forming Book Circles to continue the discussion, to be posted soon at BigRead.org.
“Essential to our mission is to share resources and provide a platform for increased knowledge, allowing you to explore and learn in your own ways, said Kambitsch. “Our strategic plan recognizes the important role that our Library can - and should - play toward achieving equity. We believe our community cannot reach its full potential until all of our citizens are successful. As such, your DML will remain focused for impact, investing time, energy and resources in our most challenged communities and neighborhoods.”
For more information, visit BigRead.org, DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937-463-2665.
