Fall R.A.D.A. Discussions & Workshop: Radical Self-love, Confronting Discrimination and the Opiate Epidemic

The fall series will take a closer look at racial self-love and empowerment, what to say and do when confronting discrimination and the opiate crisis. Participants are encouraged to read the book(s) in advance.

What is R.A.D.A?

R.A.D.A ~ Read. Awareness. Dialogue. Action. is a book discussion series that provides a safe space to discuss some of the issues and movements of the day with respect and compassion. We read to raise our social consciousness; to exchange ideas, understandings, and experiences; and to discuss actions individuals and communities can take to address problems we are facing. 

Sunday, September 16, 2 p.m.
Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales Branch Library 
The Body is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor

Radical self love not only dismantles shame and self loathing in us, but has the power to dismantle global systems of injustice, because when we make true peace with our bodies, only then do we have the capacity to truly make peace with the bodies of the others. World-renowned activist and poet Sonya Renee Taylor makes the connection between radical self-acceptance and social justice in her latest publication The Body is Not an Apology. Book summary courtesy of Amazon.

R.A.D.A. Inspired Workshop
Re-think race. Think productive, collaborative dialogue. Think recognition, understanding and acceptance.

Sunday, October 28, 2 p.m.
Sam Gary Branch Library

Learn how to navigate awkward conversations about race, avoid micro-aggressions and missteps and gain clarity on how to proceed with respectful and collaborative dialogue. Come with an open mind to discover a better way to not only speak, but to listen and comprehend. Leave with an expanded toolbox, increased confidence and an informed awareness of how others might react.

Sunday, November 18, 2 p.m.
Central Library, Floor 7, Training Room
Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic by Sam Quinones

From a small town in Mexico to the boardrooms of Big Pharma, Dreamland is an explosive and shocking account of addiction and black tar heroin in the heartland of America. With a great reporter's narrative skill and the storytelling ability of a novelist, acclaimed journalist Sam Quinones weaves together two classic tales of capitalism run amok whose unintentional collision has been catastrophic. Join us for an in depth analysis and discussion of America's opiate epidemic. We will discuss the prescribing of Oxycontin, the influx of black tar heroin into the U.S., and the significantly different government response to the opioid epidemic vs. the crack epidemic. 

For more events, please check out the online calendar.