Original Source
FOSTERING COMMUNITY AND DEEPENING OUR UNDERSTANDING THROUGH LITERATURE
Purpose [1] To set aside quality time in a busy culture inside our commitment to education as the practice of freedom and as a centering and foundational force for collective liberation. To take in large swaths of recorded Black and Indigenous histories, stories, literature, and wisdom that can only be gained with intentional focus and purposeful engagement.
Read-Alouds from 2-8 hours in one day. (Example schedules below) Choose an appropriate start time for people to arrive and settle into the space (30 mins. in-person, 15 mins. virtually), so that the reading can begin on time. It is recommended to start earlier in the day for longer readings, due to the nature of focus and attention, however evening read-alouds are not discouraged, and may be more suited for shorter community readings. Open with a 5 min. welcome/orientation to go over the context or our gathering and the reading protocols, answer any questions, and share how to get support from hosts in-person and/or virtually during the read-aloud. Invite participants to co-create the space through intention-setting where they share out loud or in the chat what they hope to gain from the community reading experience.
What to Expect
Participants commit to being present for the complete reading, and to come rested.
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The Fire Next Time by James Baldwn
Understanding & Dismantling Racism by Joseph Barndt
Freedom is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement by Angela Y. Davis
The Red New Deal: Indigenous Action to Save Our Earth by The Red Nation
Purpose [2] To read through a book, article, or selected text in one sitting as it was meant to be read, in community, without commentary.
Purpose [3] To follow the sweeping themes, interrelatedness, and contradictions of distinct and diverse voices, ideas, and perspectives.
Purpose [4] To be the cause of and to experience our deepening commitment to internalize anti-racist principles through the expansion of our collective knowledge with the encouragement that comes from being in the presence of community.
Purpose [5] To be moved by the words into courageous action, practicing these principles in all our affairs.
