2023 Community Read: His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope
RECAP
Five small discussion groups were held, with a total of 38 community members participating in conversations.
We talked about speaking up in small ways, telling a friend or family member that certain statements were not acceptable, as important to the bigger picture of civil rights. One person noted that people who have privilege should acknowledge that and be willing to highlight that not all people have the same kinds of advantages. And several examples were given of people known personally who were able, in small ways, to work for civil rights, even without intentionally working for that end.
BACKGROUND
Each year, the Southern Cayuga Community Read brings neighbors and friends together to discuss a book that has local relevance while exploring timeless themes related to justice, freedom, and equity. This year, we will be reading His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope.
The 2023 Community Read consisted of small discussion groups. Starting the week of January 21st, consisting of small groups of participants and one moderator (either in-person or via Zoom) to share, reflect and discuss the book and how it relates to injustices we see or feel in our own community.
Past Community Reads
2021 “All the Real Indians Died Off”: And 20 Other Myths About Native Americans, by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz & Dina Gilio-Whitaker
2020 The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas
Why are all the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?, by Dr. Beverly Tatum
2019 Hidden in France: A Boy’s Journey under the Nazi Occupation in France, by Simon Jeruchim
2018 Return to Sender, by Julia Alvarez
2017 Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project, by Jack Mayer
2016 A Long Walk to Water, by Linda Sue Park
2015 A Mighty Long Walk: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School, by Carlotta Walls Lanier
2014 In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer, by Irene Opdyke
2013 The Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank