Richland Library has been offering their “Let’s Talk Race” community initiative since August 2020. Through Spring 2021, they will host virtual author events, book groups and discussions that encourage honest dialogue on injustices, anti-racism and diversity. SC Humanities supported this programming with a Fast Track Literary Grant.
Events in the series include:
Let’s Talk Race Book Group
Date: October 6, 2020
Time: 7 – 8:30 PM
Location: Richland Library Online
Age Recommendation: Adults
Read at your own pace and then join us for a lively digital discussion. This month’s selection is “How to Be an Antiracist” by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. It’s available to download via Overdrive in eBook and eAudiobook formats. Register here.
Let’s Talk Race
Date: October 8, 2020
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Location: Richland Library Online
Age Recommendation: Adults
Richland Library is tackling a variety of topics through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. Every discussion is different and offers community members the opportunity to take part in honest and courageous conversations. Members of the library’s Let’s Talk Race team plan to introduce timely subjects that are gripping news headlines across the country. Register here
Let’s Talk Race Book Group
Date: November 2, 2020
Time: 7 – 8:30 PM
Location: Richland Library Online
Age Recommendation: Adults
Read at your own pace and then join us for a lively digital discussion. This month’s selection is “Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do” by Dr. Jennifer Eberhardt. It’s available to download via Overdrive in eBook and eAudiobook formats. Register here.
Let’s Talk Race: A Conversation with Culinary Historian Michael Twitty
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2020
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Age Recommendation: Adults
Twitty will discuss his award-winning book The Cooking Gene and offer his fresh perspective on race, southern cuisine and the cultural significance of soul food with local Gullah cultural bearer and chef “BJ” Dennis. An ASL interpreter will be provided.
Register here
Let’s Talk Race: A Conversation with Dr. Monique Morris
Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Hear from Dr. Monique Morris, author of Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, and moderator, Vivian Anderson, founder of EveryBlackGirl, Inc. Dr. Monique Morris is an award-winning author and social justice scholar with three decades of experience in the areas of education, civil rights, juvenile and social justice.
Registration: Advance registration is required. Register here: Register here:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wVkip5YBRyezniWW2lJU0w
In addition to the programs, the library intends to bolster its collection, assemble book club sets and distribute titles purposely throughout the community that promote race, equity, and inclusion. The goal is to keep local residents talking, listening and learning more about themselves and others. They can also share their experiences on the library’s new Padlet.
Leading the community initiative is Richland Library’s Let’s Talk Race team, which has received national recognition for its efforts to create civic engagement, build community connections and engage in courageous conversations. Established in 2016, the team consists of diverse staff members who have received training to lead discussions on race, bias, inclusivity and equality.
The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. Established in 1973, this 501(c) 3 organization is governed by a volunteer 20-member Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. It presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually.
