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The New Rochelle Public Library is thrilled to announce two captivating author talks scheduled to take place in March. These events promise to engage and enlighten attendees on critical issues facing our society today.

On Thursday, March 21, 6:30 – 8:15 pm, Anthony Arnove and Haley Pessin, editors of Voices of a People’s History of the United States in the 21st Century: Documents of Hope and Resistance, will lead a stimulating discussion centered around the compelling speeches, essays, poems, and calls to action that have shaped the fabric of contemporary America. From Black Lives Matter to #MeToo, from Indigenous struggles to immigrant rights activism, this event promises to explore the voices of hope and resistance that echo across our nation.

Anthony Arnove is the editor of several books, including, with Howard Zinn, Voices of a People’s History of the United States and Terrorism and War. Arnove co-founded the nonprofit education and arts organization Voices of a People’s History of the United States, wrote, directed, and produced the documentary The People Speak, and directed stage and television versions of The People Speak in Dublin and London, and across the United States with various arts groups. He produced the Academy Award–nominated documentary Dirty Wars. Arnove is on the editorial boards of Haymarket Books and Tempestmag.org and is the director of Roam Agency, where he represents authors including Arundhati Roy and Noam Chomsky.

Haley Pessin is a socialist activist living in Queens, New York. They have participated in struggles against police brutality and mass incarceration, in solidarity with Palestine, in defense of abortion rights and reproductive justice, and as a legal service worker and union delegate for 1199SEIU (Service Employees International Union). Pessin has spoken at conferences in Switzerland, Australia, Ireland, Quebec, and throughout the United States on the struggle for Black liberation. Their writing has appeared in New Politics and at Tempestmag.org, where they currently serve on the editorial board

Doors open at 6:30 pm for book sales and signing. The program begins at 7:00 pm. Registration requested at bit.ly/NRPL_Voices 

On Saturday, March 23, 12:30 pm, join us for an enlightening conversation with author Fatimah Gilliam as she presents her groundbreaking book, Race Rules – What Your Black Friend Won’t Tell You. Race Rules offers a new voice to the dialogue on race while saying the quiet parts out loud, providing rare access to what many Black people won’t say to white people—but that Black people secretly think and feel about white people’s behaviors and choices.

Gilliam offers a fresh perspective on race relations, distilling complex issues into an accessible guide for all audiences. This innovative work has garnered praise from notable figures and scholars, including Darren Walker, Angela Davis, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, and Rabbi Sharon Brous.

Fatimah Gilliam, Esq. is an author, lawyer, consultant, public speaker, and entrepreneur whose career combines expertise in the law, diversity, human capital, leadership, stakeholder engagement, and negotiations. Gilliam is the founder and CEO of The Azara Group, which provides diversity and inclusion, leadership development, negotiation, and strategy consulting services to Fortune 500 corporations, senior executives of billion-dollar businesses, and industry thought leaders. She holds a law degree from Columbia Law School, a master in public policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, and an undergraduate degree from Wellesley College. 

Discussion and audience Q&A will be moderated by Candace Pinn, an independent consultant and retired educator, with 30 years of educational experience and 26 years of service to the New Rochelle community. She is the current President of Westchester Alliance of Black School Educators (WABSE) and has served in this capacity for over 11 years. Candace is a native of Brooklyn N.Y. and holds a BS in General Engineering from Tufts University, a MS in Computer Science from the NYU College of Engineering and an MA in Education from Columbia Teachers College.

Registration for this program is requested at bit.ly/RaceRules_03_23_24 

Tom Geoffino, Director of New Rochelle Public Library, expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming events:

“At the New Rochelle Public Library, we are committed to providing our community with opportunities for meaningful dialogue and education. These author talks exemplify our dedication to fostering understanding and engagement around important issues. We invite everyone to join us for what promises to be enlightening and thought-provoking discussions.”

The New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) is a community resource that seeks to improve the life of every citizen in our city. The Library offers a comprehensive print and digital collection that includes retrospective and current materials, up-to-date technology for public use, and a wide range of community services and programs tailored to a diverse audience. Chartered in 1894, NRPL is a school-district library with its own operating budget and a Board of Trustees composed of seven elected members. It has served the 81,500 residents of New Rochelle from its Main Library building in the downtown business district since 1979. A smaller branch, located in the park in front of the New Rochelle High School, was restored through a grassroots effort and currently operates as the Huguenot Children’s Library. Learn more at nrpl.org . Follow us on Facebook @NRPublicLibrary and Instagram @nrpubliclibrary