An explanation of #BlackLivesMatter, in 24 words:
“Hey everyone. It hurts when police officers
shoot us. Because we’re human. And sometimes we die. Which really sucks. So
stop doing that, please.”
(from verysmartbrothas.com)
In response to the recent killings in Baton Rouge, suburban Minneapolis, and
Dallas, we have pulled some titles from our shelves for a book display. We
would like to be part of the conversation about race, policing, guns, and
how to make our neighborhoods, our city, our country, and the world (why not
aim high, right?) better places for everyone to live. Hopefully some of
the books will make their way home with patrons, open some minds, challenge
some preconceptions, move some people out of their comfort zone (or better -
expand their comfort zone), and prompt some discussions. Happy that a few have
already wandered off - but don't worry, we will be regularly restocking the
cart. We also have a number of periodicals and reference materials that are
relevant – pictured are a few newspapers and magazines currently on our shelves that you are
welcome to come in and read.
In addition to all the materials available at the Library (& don’t forget
our downloadables and audiobooks), there is a lot of great information “out
there.” (Also a lot of misinformation & nonsense, so be careful.) Here are links
to a couple of podcasts on the topic of race (one local to St. Louis, one
national) that you may find of interest:
And finally (for now), here is a link to Diversity
Awareness Partnership's infographic: "4
Steps to Being a White Ally" which we saw recently on Twitter. DAP's
vision: "inclusive communities where diversity is respected and embraced,
and equity is the norm." You can follow DAP at @inclusivestl (& while
you are at it, perhaps you'd like to follow us as well at @SLPLsocsci).
Be well, stay cool, & come check us out.
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