Willard Library invites the community to a special week of programming in celebration of Juneteenth, featuring author talks, local history, and a reflective workshop.
The week begins on Tuesday, June 17 at 6 p.m. with “Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery” with authors Joseph McGill Jr. and Herb Frazier. They will discuss the Slave Dwelling Project, founded by Joseph McGill Jr., which began as a project to sleep overnight in former slave dwellings that still stand across the country – and has since evolved into a non-profit to raise awareness, preserve extant slave dwellings and structures, educate the public, and engage in conversation.
Adult services librarian Brenna LaForge praised the book as “an enlightening story of McGill’s groundbreaking project…revealing the fascinating history behind these historic sites and shedding light on larger issues of race in America.” She continued, “the authors highlight the stories of real enslaved people who lived in these buildings, and show us all why it is so important to preserve history, especially the parts that aren’t pretty.”
The event will be held in the downtown programming room. Following the authors’ book talk will be a Q&A and book signing. New Story Books will be onsite selling copies of “Sleeping With the Ancestors” to those interested. The book is available to check out at both library locations, as well as through the Libby app.
On Thursday, June 19 at 5 p.m. in the downtown programming room, local author J.R. Reynolds will share stories of resilience in Battle Creek’s Black community in “Profiles in Perseverance: The Freedom Seekers and Freedom Fighters Who Helped Build Battle Creek.” He will spotlight several local families and individuals who “made their mark toward freedom and liberation in Battle Creek in very different (and often unique) ways.” Highlighted community members include Drs. Carl and Donna Powell; Viola Johnson (the first Black female administrator of a major VA medical center), classical performing artist Mattie Robbins Willis, and many more. Audience members will also be invited to share their own reflections and memories of those featured.
Friday, June 20 at noon (12 p.m.) rounds out the week of programs with a lunchtime workshop on the book “The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict.” During this discussion and reflection session, participants will explore how true liberation is reflected in our communities and relationships. Participants will examine the book’s core message—that conflict endures when we view others as obstacles rather than as people—and apply these insights to community building and personal relationships. Those interested may register here.
Stop by the Juneteenth Family Day Celebration at Claude Evans Park on Saturday, June 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and say hello to Willard Library staff at the library’s booth. The library will have information about the Summer Reading program and summer library events available.
