A poster for "A Conversation on Race." Photo submitted by Malden Reads.
Malden Reads is hosting “A Conversation on Race” a special panel discussion on race inspired by the discussions the community has engaged in on the topic.
Malden Reads is a community reading program that tries to encourage reading, while also promoting the library and other city resources in order to build community. It invites the community to read the same book and participate in a series of events related to the book’s themes. They are looking forward to deepening connections in the Malden Community this year.
This discussion will be moderated by Kerri Greenidge, a researcher, lecturer, historian, and Co-director of the African American Freedom Trail Project. This event will feature special guests Keith Knight, a cartoonist and creator of the Knight Life and K Chronicles, Neil Swidey, a Boston Globe writer and author, and Brendan Kiely, the co-author of Malden Reads companion book All American Boys who will be participating in the discussion.
Jodie Zalk, who helped organize this event, talked about how this discussion was made to “have a deeper understanding of some of the issues raised” from Malden Reads’ 2018 book selection , The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and companion books, including All American Boys by Kiely and Jason Reynolds, which addresses racial discrimination and inequalities, and finding the courage to stand up for one believes in. Zalk mentioned that they also used the Boston Globe Spotlight series “‘Boston. Racism. Image. Reality’ as a jumping off point for the discussion.”
Zalk mentioned how planning the event has been really exciting, especially figuring out “who would be the key people to help [others] understand these ideas and to help lead [them] in a conversation and to help move the conversation forward.” She is looking forward to hearing the opinions people have on the topics that are going to be discussed and curious about the questions that the audience will ask.
This panel discussion will also be held as a part of MATV week through Malden’s Media Center, one of Malden Reads collaborative partners. They will also hold other events throughout the week such as a Pop-up Podcast, Middle School Art Reception, and an Open House Showcase.
This panel discussion will be held in the Linden Steam Academy auditorium on Thursday, May 10, starting at 7:00pm. Doors will be open at 6:30pm. Since there is limited seating, ticket reservations are recommended. If you are interested in this event, visit https://maldenreads-race-conversation.eventbrite.com to learn more about it and reserve tickets.
