Read “The Grace of Silence” with Your Neighborhood
By Mark Hinds
This March the Lyndale Neighborhood will be participating in Minneapolis’ One Read program. One Read is Minneapolis’ first-ever community read where everyone in town is invited to read the same book. One Minneapolis, One Read will bring people in the city together to spark conversations about race, family and neighborhood history. The book is “The Grace of Silence” by Minneapolis native and National Public Radio host Michele Norris. This memoir describes the experience of the Norrises as the first black family on the block in a south Minneapolis neighborhood.
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 Libraries, 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.
The Lyndale Neighborhood Association (LNA) is currently planning several community conversations around the book. The primary conversation will take place at the March 26th General Membership meeting at Painter Park from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. We are also looking for help from people interested in being a part in organizing this discussion or have other ideas for how we as a neighborhood can use this book to foster a community wide conversation. If you’re interested in helping out, or just have some good ideas, contact Mark Hinds at mark@lyndale.org / 612.824.9402 x 16.
The book is available from the Hennepin County Library in both hardcover and CD audio book. LNA also has a limited number of copies that you can check out from the Lyndale Community Center (3537 Nicollet Avenue). You can learn more about what’s going on city wide at www.oneminneapolisoneread.com.
Upcoming Events
February General Membership
Monday, February 27At this meeting we will hear from participants in this year’s Lyndale Women’s Leadership Program, discuss and potentially vote on proposed Community Action Plan for a Children’s Theater Workshop this summer in Lyndale, and hear about what’s going to happen at this year’s Open House
Lyndale Open House
Thursday, March 22Join us on Thursday, March 22nd for the 2012 Lyndale Open House. We'll have great food from local restaurants, fun carnival games for the whole family, a silent auction, and all the information you could possibly want about what's happening in your neighborhood.
Neighborhood News
Volunteer Special
Childcare Superhero
Both the Women’s Leadership and ESL Programs provide childcare enabling community members who would otherwise be unable to attend. Be a superhero and volunteer as a childcare assistant! We need helpers Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-7:30 and every other Friday from 5:15-8:30. Contact Aryca at 612-824-9402 ext. 26 for more information!
