Minneapolis kicks off first-ever community read: One Minneapolis, One Read

Read the book. Join the conversation.

Sept. 13, 2011 (MINNEAPOLIS) Minneapolis City leaders today launched One Minneapolis, One Read, the first citywide “read,” where the entire community is encouraged to read a single book and join in a community conversation. The book selected, “The Grace of Silence,” was written by NPR host and Minneapolis native Michele Norris. The book is a memoir describing the experience of the Norrises as the first black family on the block in a south Minneapolis neighborhood in the 1960s. The City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County Library and Minneapolis Public Schools are jointly leading One Minneapolis, One Read with a goal of promoting literacy and respectful public dialogue. “The response has been overwhelming,” said Minneapolis Council Member Elizabeth Glidden. “It’s so invigorating to see so many people who live, work and go to school in Minneapolis getting involved in this community read.“

At its heart, One Minneapolis, One Read is a community-driven effort with individuals, neighborhood groups, educators, businesses and nonprofits all coming together to make this a truly citywide read. “Minneapolis Public Schools is excited to be part of this citywide effort to read the same book that promotes a message of understanding among people of different races,” said Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson. “We believe this is an opportunity to stimulate classroom discussions on race relations and help our school communities realize the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion.”

Get involved. Throughout the fall and winter, there will be many opportunities for people to join in the community conversation as part of One Minneapolis, One Read. Neighborhood groups, book clubs, libraries, literary centers and others will be holding public events where folks can come together to discuss the book.

“Hennepin County Library is a natural fit with One Minneapolis, One Read,” said Hennepin County Library Director Lois Thompson. “Books and other media are great tools for starting and supporting difficult conversations. ’The Grace of Silence’ is a moving and personal story — there’s something for people coming from many perspectives to connect with.” People are also encouraged to start their own conversations with family, friends, coworkers or neighbors. You can find a host of ideas for how to be a part of One Minneapolis, One Read on the website: www.OneMinneapolisOneRead.com. Headline event at the Guthrie Theater. The headline One Minneapolis, One Read event will feature the author with MPR News host Kerri Miller discussing the book with the audience. It will be held Monday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. at the Guthrie, $10 general admission; $5 seniors, students, limited income. Tickets are available at www.GuthrieTheater.org or by calling the Guthrie at (612) 377-2224.

The idea for a community read emerged following a controversial debate over a Minneapolis dog park. Neighbors wanted to find ways to talk about race and increase understanding. The City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County Library and Minneapolis Public Schools are promoting literacy and respectful public dialogue in this initiative. Minneapolis residents can play a positive role in their communities and explore important – sometimes difficult – issues that they face as a community by reading “The Grace of Silence” and getting involved.

For more information and to get involved, visit www.OneMinneapolisOneRead.com, www.facebook.com/OneMinneapolisOneRead, or email oneread@minneapolismn.gov.