February is Black History Month! 

2024

In-person Discussions: 

Monday, February 26 @ 7pm in the MCE Library  and Friday, March 1 @ 10am at Visible Coffee Roasters

Join us for our Second Annual Black History Month Book Discussion! We will be reading the newly released "Why Does Everything Have to be About Race" by Keith Boykin.  Beginning on February 2 in our weekly newsletter and here on the website we will post discussion questions and comments. We will again be using the Fable app for online asynchronous discussion. 

Discussion Questions:

February 2:

• Boykin is focusing on 25 arguments that he says persist in upholding and rationalizing racism. Take a look at the Table of Contents and the arguments he’s including. Have you heard any of these? Have you said any of these before? In what context? To whom?
• As you start to read this book think about how it is making you feel. Are you having any physical reactions to Boykin’s words? Are you feeling uncomfortable? If so, why? What is it that is making you uncomfortable reading the book? 
• Have you read other books about race and racism?  Which? How do they compare to this book?

February 9:

Discussion Questions for this week:

1. Affirmative Action: The book challenges the notion that affirmative action is reverse discrimination. Discuss the purpose of affirmative action and its impact on marginalized communities. How can we address misconceptions about this policy?
2. The Civil War: Some argue that the Civil War was about states’ rights, not slavery. Explore the historical context and evidence that contradicts this claim. How can we educate others about the true motivations behind the Civil War?
3. Colorblindness: The idea of being “colorblind” is often used to avoid discussions about race. How does colorblindness perpetuate racial inequality? Discuss strategies to promote racial awareness without ignoring differences.

February 16:

Here are some questions to consider while you read Part II of the book.

• How does the erasure of Black history impact our understanding of racial dynamics?
• What historical events or figures have been overlooked or misrepresented, and why is it essential to rectify this?
• What are some examples of arguments that prioritize white victimhood over acknowledging systemic racism?
• How can we challenge narratives that perpetuate this victimhood while ignoring the experiences of marginalized communities?
• How do certain arguments attempt to downplay or deny the existence of Black oppression?
• What evidence can we provide to counter these claims and highlight the reality of racial disparities?
• What misconceptions surround CRT, and why has it become a contentious topic?
• How can we engage in informed discussions about CRT without falling into misinformation traps?
• How can we equip ourselves with historical knowledge and truth to combat racial misinformation?
• What strategies can we use to engage in productive conversations when faced with racial myths?

2023

To celebrate Black History Month, we are reading “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi. We had a zoom meet-up to discuss our goals and how we want to interact with the book and each other.  This book discussion is open to everyone who is interested in reading and discussing this book, and this is a safe space to have vulnerable and meaningful discussions.

We will meet next in person on Monday, March 13 at 7pm in the MCE Library and our goal is to finish the book by then. But don’t worry if you can’t make it or aren’t comfortable in person – we’re also discussing the book using the Fable app.  The app is free to download and use – and you can link here to our book group.

If you would like to come to the 3/13 meet-up and haven’t finished the book – please join us anyway!

Sno-Isle Libraries have multiple copies of this book available for check out, as well as in audiobook format.

If you have any questions, please email gro.a1743060204tpecm1743060204@ytis1743060204revid1743060204.