Gift Of Carl Foundation Underwrites Teen Antiracism Program

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — The Evergreen Park Public Library has received a grant to underwrite a teen book discussion group slated for Feb. 25. The Gift of Carl Foundation has donated $750 that will be used to purchase the book Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You.

With antiracism protests taking place throughout the year, most spurred by the deaths of African-Americans while in police custody, "Stamped" is a timely read reflective of the conversations many teens are having with their friends, family and teachers. The library intends to provide a safe space for teens and young adults to discuss how racism impacts our youth and undermines opportunity, equity and social justice.

Dr. Tracy Crump, associate professor of criminal justice and director of African-American Studies at Saint Xavier University, Chicago will moderate the discussion. Together, teens will strive to understand the complicated past of race relations in our country and deliberate how their generation can affect social change.

Thanks to the Gift of Carl donation, the library is purchasing 50 copies of "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You" by Jason Reynolds, a reimagining of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning. The book explains the history of racist ideas in America, and inspires hope for an antiracist future.

The first 25 teens who register for the program will receive a copy to own and annotate. In addition, the library will create a circulating teacher/classroom set with 25 copies of the book, and include discussion questions curated by Dr. Crump.

The Gift of Carl Foundation is in memory of Carl Alan Vuillaume. The mission of the foundation is to provide awareness and educational opportunities in the areas that provided Carl the greatest joy: theater arts, literacy, music and the environment.

Teens can get started reading the book now for the discussion that will take place at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Evergreen Park Public Library, 9400 S. Troy Ave.

For questions, please contact Mary Black at 708-422-8522 or email blackm@evergreenparklibrary.org.