Hartness Library Racial Justice Series:
Part three of the Hartness Library Book Club Racial Justice Series continues in November with Stay Woke: A People’s Guide to Making All Black Lives Matter by Tehama Lopez Bunyasi and Candis Watts Smith and Show Me Democracy: Student Activism Amidst the Uprising in Ferguson, a documentary film by Dan Parris.
Context: The current Black Lives Matter movement has once again highlighted the systemic racism embedded in the very fabric of our society. As evidenced by the resolution passed by the Board of Trustees to fly the BLM flag on each VSC campus, we—as VSCS employees and students, as well as Vermonters—are called upon to engage in an open and honest dialogue around issues of race in America. The Hartness Library Racial Justice Series couples a book and film that address a succession of crucial topics: whiteness & the history of race (Sept), police brutality & the criminalization of black folx (Oct), and how to move forward: next steps towards greater justice (Nov).
· Read the book:
o Ebook available now: https://bit.ly/3lLa12y
o Print copy can be requested by filling out this form: https://67237.account.worldcat.org/account/ill-workform/ILL_PATRON_REQUEST_BOOK
About the book: The essential guide to understanding how racism works and how racial inequality shapes black lives, ultimately offering a roadmap for resistance for racial justice advocates and antiracists. When #BlackLivesMatter went viral in 2013, it shed a light on the urgent, daily struggles of black Americans to combat racial injustice. The message resonated with millions across the country. Yet many of our political, social, and economic institutions are still embedded with racist policies and practices that devalue black lives. Stay Woke directly addresses these stark injustices and builds on the lessons of racial inequality and intersectionality the Black Lives Matter movement has challenged its fellow citizens to learn. In this essential primer, Tehama Lopez Bunyasi and Candis Watts Smith inspire readers to address the pressing issues of racial inequality, and provide a basic toolkit that will equip readers to become knowledgeable participants in public debate, activism, and politics. This book offers a clear vision of a racially just society and shows just how far we still need to go to achieve this reality. From activists to students to the average citizen, Stay Woke empowers all readers to work toward a better future for black Americans.. (Publisher)
· Watch the film Show Me Democracy on Kanopy via Hartness Library (register/login for access): https://hartness.kanopy.com/video/show-me-democracy
About the movie: Amidst the uprising in Ferguson, MO, seven St. Louis college students evolve into activists as they demand change through policy and protest. This film examines their personal lives and backgrounds as each of them copes with the fallout of Ferguson. Six of the students fight for education policy reform through their internship program and try to create more opportunities for low-income and DACA students in their state. One of the seven joins the Black Lives Matter movement and organizes several protests to demonstrate against ongoing racial injustice. Following her on the ground, the camera captures several of her tension-filled protests including a night in Ferguson when the police tear gas protesters. SHOW ME DEMOCRACY asks us to examine how a committed group of college students can make a difference in a complex and imperfect system and what methods have the most impact. (Kanopy)
Join us for the extended discussion on Friday, 11/20 from 12-1:30pm.
Email hartness@vsc.edu or call #800-431-0025 for the Zoom link, and with any questions.
Interested in more information and reminders about the book club? Email Veronica: vgolden@vtc.edu.
Galleries:
Art by Phillip Robertson
Phillip Robertson is an interdisciplinary artist, educator and printmaker, living in Vermont since 1994. Phillip is inspired by the natural landscape, using his imagination and memory to look beyond realism to make a statement about the pastoral landscape tradition in the 21st century. He earned his BFA in Painting with a Minor in Art History from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst in 1989 and earned an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College in 2008.
Robertson currently teaches printmaking, drawing, painting and art history at Northern Vermont University (Johnson Campus) and the Community College of Vermont. He is the Director of the Julian Scott Memorial Gallery on the Johnson campus of Northern Vermont University and has been involved as volunteer at the T.W. Wood Gallery in Montpelier, Vermont since 1997.
Robertson’s artwork will be on display at the Hartness Library in Randolph Center through the Fall semester.
Ongoing Events:
Hartness Library Virtual Yarn & Craft Circle – Thursdays at Noon
Contact us for the link: Email hartness@vsc.edu or call #800-431-0025
Happy yarning!
