On June 11th we will continue our discussion of “The 1619 Project” covering chapters 9-18. We’ve learned a lot of things we were never taught before and expect to learn even more.

In July we’re taking a potluck approach to our reading. Each participant will choose to read or re-read a book taken either from previous selections or a title that interests them. Folks can select from novels, memoirs or nonfiction as they see fit. One person knows they’re going to re-read “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” to see how the book strikes them after having read so many other books by BIPOC authors. Another is looking at new novels, thinking that “Memphis” by Tara Stringfellow or “The Violin Conspiracy” by Brendan Slocumb might move to the top of their summer reading list.

Pull a book off your shelf to re-read, or seek out a book to read for the first time, and share your discoveries at our discussion on July 9th. Melding our different reading experiences is sure to be interesting.

On August 13th, we’re going to hear about local history. Two folks have offered to share what they’ve learned from books they want to read or revisit themselves. One is reading “The Pain and The Promise: The Struggle for Civil Rights in Tallahassee, Florida” by Glenda Alice Rabby which covers the 1950’s and 1960’s. The other is looking at books by Larry E. Rivers, Professor at FAMU. His books include: “Slavery in Florida: Territorial Days to Emancipation” and “Rebels and Runaways: Slavery and Resistance in 19th Century Florida.” This is a great chance to participate with Centering BIPOC Voices even without having to make a commitment to reading a book beforehand.

Centering BIPOC Voices meets on the Second Saturday of each month from 3:30-5:00 p.m., via Zoom. (Summer meetings are June 11, July 9 and August 13.) Contact Robin Gray for more information and to be added to the circulation list for Zoom.