“If you’re going to binge, literature is definitely the way to do it.” – Oprah Winfrey
Experts agree, there is relative “safety” in using literary texts to practice “what if” scenarios about our own capacity to empathize with the “pain of others” and in recognizing how power and privilege can contribute to the material, political or emotional harm.
In an effort to create that safe space, the Columbus REALTORS® Diversity & Inclusion Committee has officially launched its Book Club for members to have open, honest (and sometimes tough) conversations about race, racism, diversity, and inclusion.
“The Color of Law” by Richard Rothstein is the Club’s first literary selection. In this groundbreaking history of the modern American metropolis, Rothstein, a leading authority on housing policy, explodes the myth that America’s cities came to be racially divided through de facto segregation—that is, through individual prejudices, income differences, or the actions of private institutions like banks and real estate agencies. Rather, this book incontrovertibly makes clear that it was de jure segregation—the laws and policy decisions passed by local, state, and federal governments that actually promoted the discriminatory patterns that continue to this day.
The Book Club is open to everyone—avid readers, occasional readers, or folks just interested in learning how we can all work to be “better together”. We anticipate reading three books a year and bringing in the authors to interpret the meaning of their book, and how we can use what we have learned in that discussion to enhance our inclusion culture.
Many of the most painful issues of the day have found their way into the stories and accounts of American literature. In reading books that deals with race and prejudice throughout our history, readers can see what has and what has not changed.
The paperback version of this book is available for purchase in our store for $12.57. We will also be looking for suggestions for book selections. So, please post your recommendations to[email protected].
Save the date
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2p, and join us for our virtual conversation with Richard Rothstein about “The Color of Law”.
