| Creating Community Conversation at Omaha Public Library |
| January 26, 2012 |
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Omaha Public Schools is requiring all staff to read the book "The Cultural Proficiency Journey: Moving Beyond Ethical Barriers Toward Profound School Change." A much larger conversation about the book’s concepts has emerged as a result. Join us on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Ln., 6 p.m., for a light meal and facilitated community discussion about the book, its ideas, and its role in sparking debate. The program and meal are free, but participants are asked to read the book prior to the event. The book was written by Virginia education consultants Franklin CampbellJones, Brenda CampbellJones and Randall B. Lindsey. It strives to help readers develop a deeper understanding of cultural barriers to help strengthen equitable practices in schools and districts. Reviews of the material are mixed. Some have touted the work as “indispensible,” while others have described it as “political propaganda.” Omaha Public Library Executive Director Gary Wasdin feels this diversity of opinions is a valuable part of community engagement. “Learning to disagree with our neighbors, to share our opinions and listen to the opinions of others is an important part of living in a democracy. The crucial factor is to learn to do so with civility, and to inform your opinions by actually reading the book.” Omaha Table Talk is partnering with Omaha Public Library to facilitate a discussion around the opinions on this the book. Omaha Table Talk promotes informal gatherings of people of different races and cultures. Find out more about the organization at omahatabletalk.com. For more information contact Emily Getzschman at 402.444.4896 or A’Jamal Byndon at 402.561.7594. Event registration is required at omahalibrary.org. Visit omahalibrary.org for information about additional programs offered at Omaha Public Library’s 12 metro locations. |
