Plymouth Library Asks “What does it mean to be American?”

In conjunction with the American Library Association, the Plymouth District Library is hosting a series of programs focusing on America and the PBS documentary, American Creed. In the 2018 documentary, former US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David Kennedy come together from different points of view to investigate the idea of a
unifying American creed. Their spirited inquiry frames the stories of citizen-activists striving to realize their own visions of America’s promise across deepening divides. At the heart of this film, Rice and Kennedy lead a moving discussion with first generation college students about the question: what does it mean to be American today?

ALA’s Office of Public Programming, in partnership with Citizen Film and the National Writing Project, made this available to libraries across the country. They invited public libraries to host community conversations; only 50 public libraries were selected. The Plymouth District Library saw this program as an opportunity to further the library’s mission “to connect, enrich, and improve lives through information, services, and spaces.” Library Director, Carol Souchock further explained, “The library is the right place to have these types of heartfelt discussions, to
learn more about our neighbor and ask questions in a safe, open environment.”

Community members are encouraged to attend all or any of the three American Creed events. Registration is requested – go to plymouthlibrary.org and click on Events, or call 734-453-0750, ext 4.

Saturday, April 11, 1 – 4 p.m. Film screening and discussion, led by author Dr. Stephen Berrey, Associate Professor of American Culture and History at the University of Michigan

Thursday, April 25, 6 – 9 p.m. Panel discussion with community leaders will address “What every American should know.”
Panelists include:

• Steve Spreitzer, President & CEO of the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion
• Nick Brandon, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
• Osama Odeh, Male Youth Director, Muslim Community of the Western Suburbs of Detroit
• Sgt. Stephanie J. Shannon, Founder/CEO, Michigan Women Veterans Empowerment and Author/Speaker/Veterans Advocate at www.battlingthestormwithin.com

Saturday, May 11, 1 – 4 p.m. Discussion leaders will lead small talking circles through such concepts as: “ When you think of the state of our country, what are you feeling?” “What is the country you long for?” “As your bravest self, what do you do now?”

For more details, go to https://www.americancreed.org/