In the Thursday afternoon (Mar. 24) session, “Let’s Talk Race: How One Conversation Challenged a Library and Changed a Community,†presenters Melanie Huggins, Tamara King, and Randy Cantrell Heath described the journey of the Richland (SC) Public Library and how to move your own conversations forward about race, equity, and inclusion.
King, Chief Equity and Engagement Officer at Richland Library, told the audience that in 2015, Walter Scott was killed in Charleston and the video was shown on multiple newsfeeds. Shortly thereafter, nine parishioners were killed in the community by a white supremacist. “We [the library staff] knew these people and we were not okay,†she said. “As a result, the confederate flag was taken down across the state and not all people agreed with this. Culture shifts are hard.†She continued by saying, “We asked ourselves, are we neutral or necessary? How do we respond when Black Lives Matter and the confederate flag supporters are within a stone’s throw from the library?â€
Cantrell Heath, Branch Manager, Edgewood Branch of the Richland Library, answered that question. “Part of our response was a task force called the Let’s Talk Race Team. Fifteen staff members were trained to lead discussions on race, bias, inclusivity, and equality,†he said. “We are regular librarians doing the work. We learn from the experts and we work to improve. It’s not easy work, but it’s doable.â€
He told the attendees that each of the community conversations begin with established guidelines:
- It’s okay to disagree
- Everything is confidential
- We are willing to try new ideas
- We respond with “Tell me moreâ€
- We use “I†statements
“Using small circles of dialogue and trained moderators, the community forums encourage honest and open communication,†said Heath. “Our community cares about this work. So far, we have had over 4000 participants in 100 discussions or events.†He went on to say that surveys of participants show that more than 88 percent reported having a better understanding of what others are going through. “I felt more hopeful about my community and more open to my neighbors,†said one participant.
Huggins said that Richland Library is moving to look more like the community they serve and is practicing inclusive practices. They have removed the MLIS requirement and are intentionally hiring with equity in mind. “It may seem like small change, but it all adds up.â€
King closed the session by saying, “If you are fired up and ready to go [do this], remember to develop guiding principles, take time to plan, start small, and stay focused.â€
Visit RichlandLibrary.com/race to check out more resources and ways to start a conversation about race, equity, and inclusion. â–
