What is Read to Understand?

A community project, designed to promote discussions on race, ethnicity, identity and diversity, that invites local residents to read and then discuss the book, Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum.  This best-selling book focuses on racial identity development and race and racism and how it impacts all of us and what we can do about it.  It is hoped that through enhanced understanding we can improve our community. 

Why Do We Need to Continue the Conversation on Race?

It has been 40 years since the Civil Rights Movement and people are still treated differently based on the color of their skin and we are all affected by it.  A legacy of racism continues on and it is reflected in the stereotypical images of people of color in the media, patterns of housing discrimination, racial bias in hiring practices and rising incidents of racially motivated hate crimes. This legacy is also reflected in the benefits and privileges afforded to the white community.  Over 5 years ago members of this community participated in discussions on race but there is still more work to do.  We need to learn to listen to each other so that we can move toward a community where everyone feels welcome.  As Beverly Tatum states in her book, “Talking about racism is the only way we can change it.”

How Do I Sign Up?  

To sign up for the project and receive a  free copy of the book or to get more information please contact Leslie Hanson at lesliehanson@broadreach.net.  You may also call Leslie at 720-3236.  Forms are also available at the Putnam County Library.

When will the books be distributed and when will the discussions take place?

The books will be distributed in late May and early June.  Small group discussions will take place in late Summer and early Fall.  Each participant will be expected to participate in one, two-hour discussion.

How Can I Help?

If you would like to donate your time or money to this project please contact Leslie Hanson at lesliehanson@broadreach.net or at 720-3236.

Who Is Sponsoring this Project?

The project is co-sponsored by several organizations.  They are:  Greencastle NAACP, Greencastle League of Women Voters, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church, Putnam County Public Library, the Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce, the Banner-Graphic and the Janet Prindle Institute of Ethics at DePauw.  The steering committee members are:  Charles Miles, Leslie Hanson, Dr. Robert Green, Diane Hightower, Margot Payne, Nancy Michael, Martha Rainbolt, Bill Wieland, Lucy Wieland, Tamra Walker, Ann Newton and Indy Cox.