COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) is bringing back its Speak Up/Speak Out: Conversations About Race series for a second year. After the success of last year’s series, which brought together central Ohioans and community leaders to reflect upon racial and systemic inequities, CML is eager to continue this critical community conversation.
“We are committed to keeping a bright light on the advancement of social justice in central Ohio,” said CML CEO Patrick Losinski. “It cannot be something we discuss only when the news cycle brings it to our attention. We must continue to address it.”
Last year, CML hosted 10 virtual discussions focused on different books or films from its collection. This year’s series, once again all virtual, will focus on three books, but will expand the discussions to include a virtual book club for readers to share their thoughts and then conclude with a free virtual author talk.
The first title CML will explore in its 2022 series is So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo.
Virtual Panel Discussion: Tuesday, April 5 | 12-1 p.m.
Virtual Book Club: Tuesday, May 3 | 12-1 p.m.
Virtual Author Talk: Monday, May 16 | 2-3 p.m.
The second title will be White Like Me: Reflections on Race From a Privileged Son by Tim Wise.
Virtual Panel Discussion: Tuesday, June 28 | 12-1 p.m.
Virtual Book Club: Tuesday, July 26 | 12-1 p.m.
Virtual Author Talk: Monday, Aug. 15 | 7-8 p.m.
The third and final title will be Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Virtual Panel Discussion: Tuesday, Sept. 13 | 12-1 p.m.
Virtual Book Club: Tuesday, Oct. 18 | 12-1 p.m.
Virtual Author Talk: Wednesday, Nov. 9 | 2-3 p.m.
Registration for each program will become available in the weeks leading up to it. All programs are free and open to all on the Zoom or Crowdcast platforms. Visit columbuslibrary.org/speak-up to learn more.
