“Hear You, Hear Me” Virtual Programs Feature Conversations on Race in America

This online series, a continuation of the themes raised in our June 5 program, “Carla Hayden and Lonnie Bunch: Cultural Institutions at Times of Social Unrest,” features Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden in conversation with some of the nation’s great literary figures. Upcoming events:

“Race in America: Jason Reynolds and Jacqueline Woodson” (Friday, June 19, 4-5 p.m. EDT)

To commemorate Juneteenth, the holiday marking the end of slavery, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden chats with current National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jason Reynolds and former National Ambassador Jacqueline Woodson about ways to hear and support kids during a period of nationwide protest against injustice.

“Race in America: Joy Harjo and Tracy K. Smith” (Thursday, July 9, 7-8 p.m. EDT)

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden talks with her U.S. Poets Laureate appointees, Tracy K. Smith (2017-2019) and Joy Harjo (2019-current), about poetry in times of crisis as well as its enduring power to promote social justice.

“Race in America: Colson Whitehead” (Thursday, July 16, 7-8 p.m. EDT)

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden talks to two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and National Book Festival veteran (2009, 2012, 2016 and this year) Colson Whitehead about the need for stories from our past to help us contend with the present—especially at moments of great change.

These presentations will premiere with closed captions on both the Library’s Facebook page and YouTube site, and will be available for viewing afterwards at those sites and on the Library of Congress website.