League of Women Voters Tackles Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with New Reading and Discussion Group

The League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area announces the launch of a public reading and discussion group, Read IN with the League: Exploring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The first discussion session will be held on October 16, 2019, at 6:00 pm at the Near Northwest Neighborhood Community Center, 1013 N. Portage, and participants will discuss the book The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About Race by Jesmyn Ward. The discussion will be moderated by Marzy Bauer and is open to the public; registration is not required. The League encourages people to visit lwvsouthbend.org, where they may indicate they are reading the book and subscribe to email updates about League programs.

The South Bend Area League created the reading and discussion program as one result of its work following the adoption of a policy that formally states the League’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. In the run-up to the League’s 100th anniversary in February 2020, the League acknowledges a history scarred by racism.

“While we cannot change the past, we can acknowledge it, learn from it, and do the work to ensure an equitable future, and that’s part of what we’re doing with Read IN with the League. This is an opportunity for people to learn together and have discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion in a civil and welcoming space,” said Terri L. Russ, who serves on the board of directors of the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area.  

The book selection is available from The Brain Lair online bookstore (brainlairbooks.com), which offers a 20% discount with the code LWV20. The book is also available at other retail outlets and the St. Joseph County Public Library. 

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