Race

[close] This global discussion group has been designed to encourage debates about important and underreported issues of our era. All you need is an enquiring mind and a desire to gain or share “underground knowledge”. This is also a place to discuss the controversial topics explored in The Underground Knowledge Series (non-fiction books) by James Morcan & Lance Morcan as well as the Underground Knowledge podcast show.

[close] In this Book Group, we will focus on gaining the knowledge and vocabulary to challenge negative stereotypes about Blacks. For example: • Blacks always live in rundown slums and ghettos • Blacks are taking all the good jobs from Whites • I am not a racist, I see everyone as equal Maybe you have heard these comments and wished you had the information or language to offer a counter perspective. Or, maybe you have these beliefs and want to explore alternative viewpoints. If so, this Book Group is for you. I started it because I had these experiences and have struggled to develop coherent contrasting-stories about Blacks. I adopted the term stories after watching a TED Talk titled: The Danger of a Single Story by author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. As stated earlier, in this Book Group, we will focus on gaining the knowledge and vocabulary to challenge negative stereotypes about Blacks. We will do that by reading books about race and racism. The goal is to amass a variety of alternative messages members might use in personal or professional situations. The discussion format will be very specific. After reading the monthly book, members will post threads that describe a negative stereotype or belief about Blacks; then share insights from the book that might be used as a counterpoint to that stereotype or belief. This Group is about members sharing what they learned and how it might be used to combat negativity about Blacks. It will be a safe space for posting these messages; without fear of challenges to chosen stereotypes, beliefs, or counterpoints. We will be a group of member learners. This Group is not about debating book merits, conclusions, or topics. If you want to debate the content about books on race or racism, this Group IS NOT for you. I know you will help me become more knowledgeable and articulate about the Black experience. Barbara Moderator

[close] Club 21 started as a vision of then- NAHRO president Betsey Martens to explore critical issues in housing policy related to race and equity. As housers, we serve the most vulnerable populations in each of our communities. Club 21 provides an opportunity to use a different lens to learn about issues and barriers faced by our customers. Club 21 fosters dialogue and will push you out of your comfort zone to talk about important issues. Historically, Club 21 selected one book for the membership to read and discuss at national, regional and state conferences. Due to busy schedules at conference, Club 21 has struggled to meet in person. Many of the founding members have stayed connected through social media to share book recommendations. The creation of this online book club will provide Club 21 the opportunity to continue to READ, CONNECT and SHARE. If we truly want to live in an equal and beautifully diverse world, we must work to be a catalyst for change. Club 21 will help you do that.

[close] A fun place where you can read with people who have similar interests, you can recommend books and new genres to read with the group