S. J. Book Club (4th Tuesdays) Between the World and Me Ta-Nehisi Coates

Book Selection;
February-Black History Month
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

ABOUT THIS BOOK CLUB:

This is a recurring discussion meeting monthly every 4th Tuesday on Zoom. Please read the book of the month before the meeting and bring your thoughts and questions. We will discuss the monthly book, then follow up with discussions.

MISSION:

Thru reading and discussing books about racism and anti-racism as a group, learn about our own individual biases (Unity Initiative's #1 pillar) and the issues affecting historically and currently disadvantaged populations at higher risk of poverty, social injustice and exclusion, discrimination and violence including, but not limited to, African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Muslims, Asian, LGBTQ, etc.

GOALS:
To provide a non-judgmental space to discuss, learn and grow as individuals and together, and identify local opportunities where individuals can make progress towards greater equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice in our communities.

*Book Club Discussion Ground Rules*
● Recognize:
We recognize that we must strive to overcome historical and divisive biases, such as racism and sexism, in our society.
● Acknowledge:
We acknowledge that we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group(s) and about members of other groups. This is true for everyone, regardless of our group(s).
● No Blame:
We agree not to blame ourselves or others for the misinformation we have learned, but to accept responsibility for not repeating misinformation after we have learned otherwise.
● Trust:
Everyone has come to the table to learn, grow, and share. We acknowledge that we may be at different stages of learning on the content and discussion topics. We will trust that people will do the best they can. We all make mistakes and have bad days; when these occur, let's challenge and encourage each other to do better.
● Respect:
We agree to treat other participants' reflections and questions with respect. We acknowledge once again that we may be at different stages of learning on the topic. However, this does not mean we should ignore problematic statements.
● Individual Experience:
We agree that no one should be required or expected to speak for their whole race or gender. We can't, even if we wanted to.
● Share the Air:
Share responsibility for including all voices in the discussion. If you have a tendency to dominate discussions, take a step back and help the group invite others to speak. If you tend to stay quiet, challenge yourself to share ideas so others can learn from you.
● Not Experts:
The facilitators are not "experts." They are here to help facilitate the process. They and everyone in the group are here to learn. We also recognize that everyone has an opinion. Opinions, however, are not the same as informed knowledge backed up by research. Depending on the topic and context, both are valid to share but it's important to know the difference. To engage in deep learning, we will want to lean more toward informed knowledge and gain practice reflecting and speaking thoughtfully on difficult topics.
● Ask for help:
It's okay not to know. Keep in mind that we are all still learning and are bound to make mistakes when approaching a complex task or exploring new ideas. Be open to changing your mind, and make space for others to do so as well.
*Adapted from the Iowa State University Ground Rules for DEI Discussions

Book Club Titles 2026
(Selection based on Heritage Months List)
January-Inclusion / Social Justice
The new Jim Crow : mass incarceration in the age of colorblindness by Alexander, Michelle,

February-Black History Month
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

March-Women's History
"Formidable: American Women and the Fight for Equality" by Griffith, Elisabeth,

April -Arab American
My brother, my land : a story from Palestine / Sami Hermez, with Sireen Sawalha. Hermez, Sami

May-AAPI Heritage Month
Owner of a Lonely Heart: A Memoir by Beth Nguyen

June-LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Hijab Butch Blues: A Memoir by Lamya H

July-Disability Pride Month
Disability Visibility by Alice Wong

August-Inclusion / Broader Justice
The Good Ally by Nova Reid

September-Hispanic
Inventing Latinos: A New Story of American Racism by Gómez, Laura E

October-
Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond

November-Native American Heritage Month
Yellow Bird by Sierra Crane Murdoch

December- No Meeting
Happy Holidays!