Lighthouse in the Library: Suspended November 4, 2023
Lighthouse in the Library: Suspended
November 9 @ 6:00 pm
The Lighthouse is back! Join us for a free community conversation about the exhibit Suspended – an exploration of the criminal justice system and the school-to-prison pipeline. Our panel of community members will engage this poignant topic with a mix of real talk and heart-centered awareness. Suspended is a traveling exhibit from the African American Museum of Iowa. Please visit blackiowa.org for more details.
Lighthouse in the Library is a conversation series giving space and dialogue to North Liberty residents to speak on important community issues in a town-hall style setting. This event will occur on Thursday, November 9, at 6 pm.
“The library is in a prime position to broaden its role as a resource of diversity, wellness, and education in the community,” said Kellee Forkenbrock, Public Services Librarian and LITL’s Project Director. “By exploring an array of topics through conversation with our residents, we hope that LITL will be an idea generator, an opportunity to develop a richer vision of how we can be of ultimate service to our community.”
Do I need to register? No, registration is not required for this free event.
Read on to learn more about some of our panelists for this event.
Quanda Hood
Quanda Hood, a passionate resident of North Liberty, serves as a driving force on the boards of Summer of the Arts, United Action for Youth, and TKM Productions. She serves as the President of the Clear Creek Amana Fine Arts Booster Club, a non-profit group committed to supporting education and programs in art, drama, speech, choir, and band for all Clear Creek Amana students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Chair of Better Way Forward, who champions belonging, accessibility, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. She is also a dedicated member of the Anti-Racism and Social Justice in North Liberty community organization. Quanda’s values are deeply rooted in her Unitarian Universalist-Humanist beliefs to serve and honor her community. Her unwavering commitment to community empowerment and social change inspires those around her.
Laura Gray
Laura Gray is passionate about Restorative Circles, equity and inclusion. She is a product of Chicago Public Schools and has over 16 years experience in education where she has served as teacher, assistant principal, building principal and director. Laura is an experienced executive coach, facilitator, motivational speaker, published author, Restorative Circle Keeper, trainer, curriculum designer, educator and consultant. She has a BA in English Education from Loyola University Chicago and a MA in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago. She has over 300 contact hours leading and training others in restorative circles. Laura currently serves as the Executive Director of Diversity and Cultural Responsiveness for the Iowa City Community School District. She is also the founder of Restorative Community Partners, LLC, Captivate Diversity Conferences, and Cofounder of R&R Equity Concierges.
Contact Kellee Forkenbrock at kforkenbrock@northlibertyiowa.org or by calling the library at 319-626-5701 with questions.
Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL).