“Confronting Racism” program offers community read and virtual panel discussion

Join a community-wide read and virtual panel discussion called “Confronting Racism: A Community Conversation.” The books and the online, moderated discussion on Aug. 31 will focus on deepening participants’ understanding of racism and the ways it impacts individuals and society. The community-wide read and the virtual discussion are open to all and are sponsored by the Georgetown Public Library and Lark & Owl Booksellers.

Select from a slate of three best-selling books: “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi (for adults), “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas (for teens), and “New Kid” by Jerry Kraft (for children grades 5-8). All three books are available in print, audiobook, e-book, and e-audio from the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. Eighth St., and in print and audiobook editions from Lark & Owl Booksellers, 205 W. Sixth St.

Public Library Director Eric Lashley said, “I would encourage our community to read these critically acclaimed books and sign up to follow the panel discussion focusing on how we can take steps to overcome racism in our personal lives and our community.”

The panel discussion will be facilitated by Tiffanie Harrison, an equity leader and marketing educator in Round Rock ISD who was Round Rock High School Teacher of the Year in 2015 and 2019. Harrison has an MBA and a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, and she is a Beyond Diversity Affiliate Practitioner and Facilitator as well as an active leader in community organizations like Undoing Racism Round Rock, Engage Round Rock, and the Round Rock Black Parents Association.

Of the upcoming virtual panel discussion, Harrison said, “I am honored to be included in this incredibly important work. Georgetown and surrounding communities have the opportunity to show that we have not only the ability, but also the shared duty to honor the humanity of people of all races. At this juncture, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be actively anti-racist. This conversation is a great start to the work that lies ahead of us.” Panel members who will participate in each discussion will be announced prior to the event on Aug. 31.

Schedule for panel discussion on Aug. 31:

7 p.m. Welcome
7:10 p.m. Discussion of “New Kid” by Jerry Kraft
7:45 p.m. Discussion of “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
8:30 p.m. Discussion of “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi

The virtual panel discussion will be held on Crowdcast, which is a videoconferencing platform. Receive details and updates about the books and the virtual panel discussion at bit.ly/gtx-confronting-racism.