Last week, in response to the George Floyd murder and the response of protesters, the Forest Park Public Library released a statement.
“We, at the Forest Park Library are saddened, heartbroken, and impassioned by the events surrounding our local and global communities. As a community, we stand with our staff, neighbors, and community partners in unity and compassion.
“The Forest Park Public Library stands with Black people and all who demand the end of systemic racism. We believe in the open exchange of ideas and freedom of speech. We do not condone behavior that threatens the safety of another or supports bigotry, sexism, or racism.”
The library staff compiled a list of books, films and resources “to support conversations on race, racism, and resistance.” The list can be found here fppl.org/2020/04/02/blacklivesmatterbooks/ and includes the following:
Books
- My Hair is a Garden by Cozbi A. Cabrera
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
- Everything you need to know about protests and public assembly by Philip Wolny
- Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- Black Boy by Richard Wright
- White Fragility: Why it’s so hard for white people to talk about racism by Robin DiAngelo
Movies
- I Am Not Your Negro, directed by Raoul Peck
- Peace Officer by Scott Christopherson and Brad Barber
- Profiled: The Mothers of Murdered Black and Latino Youth directed by Kathleen Foster
- P.S. I Can’t Breathe, directed by Rochelle White
The library also said that they recognize this is a “uniquely emotional time for various reasons.” Anyone struggling is encouraged to reach out to the library’s social work intern, Raqueal Pullums at socialworkintern@fppl.org. Staff is also available by phone at 708-366-7171 or email at askus@fppl.org.
