The 1619 Project: Family & Community Circles

Program Type:

Arts & Culture, Authors & Books, Civic Learning, Equity & Anti-Racism, Kids & Families, Multicultural, Students Grades 6-8, Students Grades 9-12

Age Group:

Middle School, High School, Adults, Older Adults
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Event Details

“If we are truly a great nation, the truth cannot destroy us.” ― Nikole Hannah-Jones

Join your neighbors, families, students, and friends in interactive community discussions inspired by The 1619 Project. This is a safe, structured anti-racist space where all are empowered to share personal stories, honor our history, and grow in hope. Trained adult facilitators will lead the discussion circles alongside middle school, high school, and college students.

Come to any or all sessions. Due to the structure of the discussion circles, please try to arrive on time.

October 2: Born on the Water

Live music and a read-aloud of the book The 1619 Project: Born on the Water. Interactive activities and circles on honoring our ancestors will follow. Ages elementary school+ and adults.

October 23: The Fight for a True Democracy

Inspired by the 1619 podcast Episode 1: "The Fight for a True Democracy." Interactive discussion circles on the fight for democracy that never ended and honoring our long legacy of resistance.  Ages 11+ and adults.

November 6: The Birth of American Music

After a special concert at 1 pm with D-Composed, a Black chamber music collective, join us at 2 pm for interactive discussion circles inspired by the concert and 1619 Episode 3: "The Birth of American Music." Lunch at 3 pm. Ages 11+ and adults.

Find a library copy of the related books in the catalog, and listen to podcast episodes here.

*This series is made possible with the support of D97 and D200 school districts, the E-Team of Oak Park, Dominican University’s Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) group, The Township of Oak Park, and the Oak Park Public Library.​