Join us for an evening discussion about Racial Relations in the Reading Together book.
Registration Required
***Please note, this event takes place at the Portage District Library***
Join the founder and former executive director of SHARE (the Society for History and Racial Equity) for a discussion about racial relations in the book Take My Hand, by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, as well as historically, and others' experiences.
Reading Together is a joint effort between local libraries and organizations to build stronger community connections through the experience of reading a shared title and facilitating events and experiences that explore the themes of the book on a local level.
"Inspired by true events that rocked the nation, a searing and compassionate new novel about a Black nurse in post-segregation Alabama who blows the whistle on a terrible injustice done to her patients, from the New York Times bestselling author of Wench
Montgomery, Alabama, 1973. Fresh out of nursing school, Civil Townsend intends to make a difference, especially in her African American community. At the Montgomery Family Planning Clinic, she hopes to help women shape their destinies, to make their own choices for their lives and bodies.
But when her first week on the job takes her along a dusty country road to a worn-down one-room cabin, Civil is shocked to learn that her new patients, Erica and India, are children—just eleven and thirteen years old. Neither of the Williams sisters has even kissed a boy, but they are poor and Black, and for those handling the family’s welfare benefits, that’s reason enough to have the girls on birth control. As Civil grapples with her role, she takes India, Erica, and their family into her heart. Until one day she arrives at their door to learn the unthinkable has happened, and nothing will ever be the same for any of them.
Decades later, with her daughter grown and a long career in her wake, Dr. Civil Townsend is ready to retire, to find her peace, and to leave the past behind. But there are people and stories that refuse to be forgotten. That must not be forgotten.
Because history repeats what we don’t remember.
Inspired by true events and brimming with hope, Take My Hand is a stirring exploration of accountability and redemption," from the Publisher.
Donna Odom is the founder and former executive director of the Society for History and Racial Equity (SHARE). She currently serves on the board of the Historical Society of Michigan. She is a recipient of the YWCA Women of Achievement Award (2018), the Westminster Presbyterian Peace Award (2019), is a 2021 AARP Purpose Prize Fellow, and is featured in the 2022 publication, The Third Act. Donna speaks and consults on racial healing and diversity and inclusion, developing oral history and family history projects, and the African American history of southwest Michigan.
All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please email Rachael Wiegmann for assistance before your visit.
Location Details: Austin, Sugarloaf, and West Rooms are located on the lower level of the library.
Event Contact: Rachael Wiegmann
AGE GROUP: | Adult |
EVENT TYPE: | Discussion |
TAGS: | 4:Adult Dept | 3:Standard | 2:In person | 1:Adult (18+) |
Located near the intersection of S. Westnedge and Shaver Rd, Portage District Library offers ample parking, EV charging, and access to the Portage Bikeway.
