Community Read
Come Read With Us!
Join us this fall for our inaugural Community Read. We're excited to explore issues of identity and belonging together!
The Community Read is brought to you collectively by the following faculty and staff affinity groups.
Feature
ABOUT THE BOOK
“In this astonishing memoir, Graci Harkema revisits her experience growing up as an adoptee from the Congo in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She traces her path to claiming and living her own story, becoming a successful consultant on diversity, equity and inclusion, racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality, and women in business.”
“An inspiring memoir of self-discovery, identity, and embracing your own path.”
—BookLife (Publishers Weekly)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Graci Harkema is an international diversity, equity, and inclusion speaker and author, specializing in inclusive leadership and implicit bias training for Fortune 500, small businesses, and non-profit organizations throughout the globe. Graci is the author of her memoir, Rising: From a Mud Hut to the Boardroom—and Back Again. Crain’s Grand Rapids Business has named her a 40 Under 40 Business Leader, a 50 Most Influential Woman, and one of the 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders of West Michigan. A graduate in communications from Grand Valley State University, Graci volunteers her time on boards and committees focused on the health and wellness of marginalized and vulnerable populations. Harkema resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Schedule
Session #1
Chapter 1-3 Discussion
Wednesday, September 25, 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Kirkhof Center 2266
Coffee & Breakfast Snacks!
Session #2
Chapter 4-7 Discussion
Tuesday, October 15, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Bicycle Factory 330
Beverages & Snacks!
(BYO Lunch)
Session #3
Chapter 8-11 Discussion
Tuesday, November 19, 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Seidman Center Forum A
Beverages & Snacks!
RSVP Now to Join Our Discussions!
Thanks for your interest in joining us as we read together and discuss issues of identity and belonging! We strongly encourage in-person participation, but we recognize that may not be possible for everyone. Please identify below each session you plan to attend. After selecting a session, you will have the option to note participation either in person or via zoom.
* denotes a required field
Content Warning - Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Physical and psychological trauma
- Sexual assault and harassment
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Discrimination and marginalization (related to race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity and gender expression)
- Mental illness
We encourage readers to engage with this content thoughtfully and to take care of their mental and emotional well-being.