Ms. Suzy Reads | And Learns About Changing History

It's not everyday that we get to really understand historical events through the perspective of someone who was there. 

Understanding historical events is so very important to understanding where we are now, and to having true empathy for those who lived through terrible injustices. And just as important, it's a chance to applaud courage and bravery in the face of incredible odds.

Well, my friends, our community is quite fortunate to have an incredible opportunity this Friday, September 12, at 3:30 pm. 

Geraldine Hollis, a member of the Tougaloo Nine, will be here -- at the Cesar Chavez Central Library -- to talk about how a group of nine college students took a stand against injustice.

You won't want to miss her story! Trust me.

 

Teens Only | Raise Your Voice

"I raise up my voice – not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard."

That quote comes from Malala Yousafzai -- the 16-year-old Pakistani girl who is garnering much attention (and rightfully so) for her bravery in speaking up for education and women's rights. And as you all probably know, in 2012 she was shot in the head and the neck in an assassination attempt by the Taliban. 

She continues to raise her voice. She continues to make a difference. No one who hears Malala speak (or who reads her book) can come away unchanged. It's just not possible.

Here's another beautiful quote from Malala: "One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world." Oh Malala, you are so right about that!

We can (and should!) all raise our voices. And to get some inspiration for doing just that, I recommend reading Malala's book -- I Am Malala: The Story of the  Girl Who  Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. Of course this book is in high demand, so place a request on it now!

I am in awe of this young woman. Her total bravery to speak up against wrongs and for the voiceless is utterly amazing. Her impact on this world is going to be so far-reaching. I just know it.

Speaking of making an impact on this world, I need to tell you about a special program we are going to have at the Cesar Chavez Central Library on Monday, October 21, 2013. It will feature Shahed Amanullah (Senior Advisor for Technology at the US Department of State) in conversation with Jerry Hildebrand (Director of the Global Center for Social Entrepreneurship at the University of the Pacific) in conversation about Generation Change. 

What is Generation Change? Click here for a quick interview with Mr. Amanullah. In a nutshell, however, Generation Change is a youth-driven global network dedicated to fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders in Muslim communities around the world. 

This promises to be an evening that everyone -- youth and non-youth -- can learn from and be inspired by. And it's free. It's part of our Live from Cesar Chavez! series sponsored by the Library & Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County. 

Raise your voice. 

Teens Only | Up Close and Personal

We have so much to be proud of in San Joaquin County. And one thing we can be very proud of is artist and poet Richard Rios. He will be speaking at the Cesar Chavez Central Library on Monday, April 8th at 6:30 pm as part of the Live from Cesar Chavez! series sponsored by the Library & Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County.

Mr. Rios will talk about his new memoir, Songs from the Barrio, which details his growing up in Modesto with his Mexican-born mother and five siblings, finding his way out of the barrio through his art, and coming to understand his mother's request to "never forget you are a Mexican." 

Copies of Mr. Rios' book will be available for purchase and signing at the end of the program. 

Mark your calendar to come hear this wonderful presentation and be inspired!