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Understand and Dismantle Racial Injustice

Fairfax County Public Library is committed to the County’s One Fairfax policy of social and racial equity. We provide materials, create community programs, and have spaces that are open and welcoming to all. Last Updated: Sep 17, 2022 8:28 PM

Beautiful Me—Celebrating Children of Color

 

 

It is important young children recognize and celebrate our diversity. Learn about library books and resources that will help you have conversations about race with your children. This presentation is for parents of preschool children (ages 3-5). 

Navigating the Complexities of Race: Racial Healing and Reconciliation

 

 

When it comes to cross-racial relationships, sometimes "just getting along" seems far easier than making an authentic connection. Dr. Maureen Walker will discuss three core skills - empathy, authenticity and mutuality - required for creating meaningful connections that will increase your confidence so you can do more than "just get along."

Maureen Walker, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker, educator and writer who helps people bridge cultural differences such as race, religion, gender and other social status markers. She is author of the book When Getting Along Is Not Enough: Reconstructing Race in Our Lives and Relationships.

Reimagining America, Part 1—History Taught Us: Exploring Yesterday’s Impact on Today

 

 

Part 1 of the library's "Reimagining America" virtual series explores the socio-historic construction of the Black/African American experience. We will focus on popular ideologies surrounding American slavery and the Civil Rights Movement and discuss connections between the past and present. This program aired June 15, 2020.

This program was facilitated by Dr. Mark Hopson, Director of African and African American Studies at George Mason University, and featured Dr. Marilyn S. Mobley, Professor of English and African and African American Studies at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). Dr. Mobley formerly served as Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity and one of the founding members of African and African American Studies at CWRU. 

Reimagining America, Part 2: “Why All the Protests?” Having ‘The Talk’ about Race and Racism

 

 

Part 2 of the library's "Reimagining America" virtual series introduced dialogue about race and racism. Key terms and ideas were defined as these are necessary to engage interracial communication, including anti-racist ideology. This program aired June 17, 2020.

This program was facilitated by Dr. Mark Hopson, Director of African and African American Studies at George Mason University, and featured Gina Castle, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Saint John’s University. Dr. Castle is the author of Talking Black and White: An Intercultural Exploration of 21st Century Racism, Prejudice and Perception.

Reimagining America, Part 3: “If You Protest You May Die, If You Don’t Protest You May Die” A Generation-Z Perspective on Political Engagement

 

 

Part 3 of the library's "Reimagining America" virtual series highlighted current examples of social activism and engaged potential future directions as described by young adults. This program aired on June 19, 2020.

This program was facilitated by Dr. Mark Hopson, Director of African and African American Studies at George Mason University, and featured Rasheed Parker, who is with Freedom Fighters, DC; Abdullah Jamil, who is with G3nerations; and Tatiana Orengo, founder of Sis, Se Puede! 

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