Our Closing Session speaker at today’s ALSC Mini-Institute was Jacqueline Woodson.
She talked about how in view of what today is, that it’s good to be with librarians. We have to transform silence into action, and Libraries do Transform.
We can have empathy for those we disagree with because we all know what it is to have fear.
Begin a conversation across misunderstanding.
Memory keeps her moving forward.
Keep hope in the room and in your lives.
Don’t forget to vote at the local level, too. We do have the power to create change. It’s important to hold onto history.
We had a mini-Institute because we decided not to meet in North Carolina. She said, “This country has always messed with bathrooms.” She’s deeply proud of the Institute organizers for taking a stand, as a person deeply committed to making this place safe across lines.
These conversations are disruptive, but healing. Healing begins by being willing to talk with people.
Conversations can begin in the library.
You’re so much stronger than you think you are — because look at the history that got you here.
Writing is a way of healing, a way to make sense out of this journey.
When you tell your story, some will be eager to hear who you are.