Program Series Includes Lectures, Films and Book Discussions
The Schenectady County Public Library (SCPL) will kick off a program series entitled ‘Dreams of Equality’ on Monday, June 21. The program is a collaboration between SCPL, Schenectady County and the Schenectady County Human Rights Commission, and will include lectures, films, book discussions and a writing series.
“Throughout history, libraries have not only been the archives of culture, but the growing edge of new ways of thinking about problems cultures face. As personal stories and new research point us in new directions, our library will be the place to deepen our commitment to a more equitable future,” said SCPL Board of Trustees President Dr. Bill Levering. “As the health of our community has dramatically improved, we are pleased that our library system will be able to provide some limited in-person programs that our community has missed over the past fifteen months.”
“In the years to come we will look back and realize how important it was for us to come together during these historic times and build upon our strengths and learn from our weakness,” said Arthur Butler, Executive Director of the Schenectady County Human Rights Commission. “However we did it, we did it together and we are stronger and better for it.”
The guest speaker for the first session on June 21 will be Jason Benitez, VP of Talent, Diversity and Inclusion at the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce. He will present a lecture on ‘Understanding Implicit Bias & Micro-Aggressions: Tips to Raise Awareness & Do Better’. Community members are invited to attend the event in-person. Seating is limited – visit www.scpl.org to register for the event. The event will also be streamed live on SCPL’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SCPLNY/).
“This presentation will cover the topics of implicit bias and micro-aggressions. We will discuss what these concepts are and how they impact our day-to-day interactions, both in the workplace and outside of work,” said Jason Benitez, VP of Talent, Diversity and Inclusion at the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce. “As we navigate this diverse world, if not mitigated well, our implicit biases can lead to discrimination – whether intended or not – as well as micro-aggressive behaviors and actions. This can be a challenge and hindrance to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming climate in our communities and society. This lecture will help participants learn more about these concepts, how to identify and avoid the negative behaviors, and introduce proactive steps we can all take to lead with greater empathy and understanding.”
“The ‘Dreams of Equality’ series is a community resource to help us learn from the experiences of our friends and neighbors, and the impact those experiences have had on their lives,” said Schenectady County Legislator Cathy Gatta, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Education & Libraries. “Offering programs like this is so important, because the more we can relate to each other through not only what we have in common, but also through our differences, the stronger our connections and community will become.”
Program Schedule
Lectures
Understanding Implicit Bias & Micro-Aggressions: Tips to Raise Awareness & Do Better
June 21, 2021 6:30pm
Hon. Karen B. Johnson (Central) Library – McChesney Room and live on SCPL’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SCPLNY/)
Guest Speaker: Jason Benitez, VP of Talent, Diversity and Inclusion at the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce
Additional lectures will be announced at a later date.
Films
Films will be picked with input from the community and announced at a later date.
Book Discussions
Resilience: Beyond Survival
Copies of the books may be reserved at any SCPL library or online at www.scpl.org.
Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
July 29, 2021 5:30pm
Jerry Burrell Park
Facilitated by local author and lecturer Miki Conn.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
August 5, 2021 6:30pm
Hon. Karen B. Johnson (Central) Library – McChesney Room
Facilitated by Frankie Bailey, PhD, Professor of Criminal Justice at SUNY Albany.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
August 17, 2021 6:00pm
Bornt Branch Library
Facilitated by local author and lecturer Miki Conn.
Writing Series
Resilience: Beyond Survival – Write What You Know
Registration details will be announced in August.
September 14, 2021 6:00pm
September 28, 2021 6:00pm
October 5, 2021 6:00pm
More information about the ‘Dreams of Equality’ program series, including updated event information, will be available on www.scpl.org.