As Racial Justice Week comes to a close, check out these engaging discussions with past guests, thought leaders and community members that encourage honest dialogue on injustices, anti-racism and diversity.
A Conversation with Jodie Patterson Moderated by Naomi Simmons-Thorne 57 mins
In celebration of SC Black PRIDE and Famously Hot SC PRIDE, Richland Library hosted a virtual conversation with the chair of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Board, author, activist, and mother, Jodie Patterson.
Happiness: a poem Tammaka Staley 4 mins
Happiness is a poem written by Richland Library's 2021 Artist-in-Residence Tammaka Staley that expresses the joy she felt and the joy she wanted to create even in the midst of a historic pandemic."
The Segregated Education of Men of Color Moderated by Cynthia Hardy 1 hr 23 mins
A roundtable discussion on the education gap; the twenty-three-billion-dollar disparity between nonwhite and white schools teaching the same number of children; if the lack of self-reflection hindered educational and cognitive growth, and if segregation hurt or helped.
Featured panelists include Dr. C. Spencer Platt, Associate Professor, Associate Director Center for Innovation In Higher Education, USC, Dr. Giovani Burgos, Associate Professor Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences, Adelphi University, Mr. James Felder, Civil Rights Activist, First African-American Assistant Solicitor in SC, One of the first three Black Men Elected to SC Legislature, and Dr. Abd'Allah Adesanya, Retired lawyer, Assistant Professor of Legal Studies South University, Author, Co-Founder New Timbuktu Academy, current African-American studies instructor Uhuru Academy
Teen Talk: The Youth Perspective Moderated by Taurus Sanders and Briana T. Ford 1 hr 16 mins
A candid discussion of life seen vicariously through the eyes of teenagers. . . . . . . . . Led by YouTuber Briana T. Ford and Mental Health Specialist, Taurus Sanders, three local teens discuss how the effects of COVID-19, current racial tensions, and the new norm from 2020 have impacted their mental well-being, and how they are coping with it.
The Power of the Vote! Moderated by Don Frierson, Urban Scene 1 hr 50 mins
A timely and powerful conversation tackling the topic of how African American and Latino votes may impact the upcoming November 3rd elections, as well issues such as voting eligibility, mail-in voting confusion, the implications of COVID-19, and the USPS funding crisis on voting options. After this event, attendees should have clarity and confidence in understanding their voting rights and the impact of their civic participation.
The Power of Protest Moderated by Cynthia Hardy 2 hr 52 mins
Can protests really cause a revolution of change?
On August 27, 2020, Richland library held this powerful and timely discussion with panelists tackling the power of protest; the idea that one person can or cannot cause a revolution of change; and the impact the aftermath of protests can have on communities. The online event was moderated by Cynthia Hardy (OnPoint) with panelists Lawrence Nathaniel (Founder of Black Lives Matter SC and People Demand Action), Dr. Larry Watson (Associate Professor of History at South Carolina State University), Jazmyne McCrae (CoFounder of EmpowerSC), Capitan Harris with Richland County Sheriff's Department and James Felder (Activist, Legislator and Educator).
Talking Grace, Justice and Mercy with Bryan Stevenson 1 min
On Tuesday, November 17, 2016, author and public interest lawyer, Bryan Stevenson, spoke at The Township Auditorium regarding his battles and victories in the justice system. He shared his unique and hopeful vision toward a more just and equitable America--including this impactful 46 second clip.
Richland County has proclaimed January 17-21, 2022 in Richland County as Racial Justice Week. We are excited to join them in encouraging our community to recommit ourselves to achieving Dr. King’s dream that all men and women would not be judged by the color of their skin but the content of their character.