Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: What is it and how do we do it? with Derek Keith

Chandler Hamilton Library 3700 S. Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ, United States

In many organizations, institutions and corporations across the country, the words diversity, equity and inclusion, often referred to as DEI, are being incorporated into mission statements, workplace trainings, and sometimes day-to-day practices. So, what is diversity, equity and inclusion? Are the terms interchangeable, or do they address different issues? Do the definitions change when going […]

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A Free Press: Cornerstone of Democracy with Gail Rhodes

AZ, United States

The first amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects press freedom. Freedom of the press is important because it plays a vital role in informing citizens about public affairs and monitoring the actions of government. But what happens when public trust in the media is eroded by sensationalism, foreign influences or bots, fake news, and business […]

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The Road to Inequity: Understanding the Wealth Gap with Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker

Chandler Downtown Library 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler, AZ, United States

We often hear about the widening wealth gap in the United States. If we look back through history, federal policies and discriminatory practices, from redlining to the current gender wage gap, have contributed to lasting social and economic inequities. Who holds the wealth now? How was that wealth acquired? Can we move toward a more […]

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Climate Conversations: How Will Arizona’s Future Be Shaped by Water? with Sarah Porter

Arizona Humanities 1242 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, United States

Water is key to Arizona’s future. Conditions on the Colorado River are worsening at an alarming rate. Water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead are plunging to record lows. Arizona is experiencing unprecedented drought compounded by climate change. How will water shortages change the landscape and environment across the state—today and in the future? […]

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Specters of the Past-Ghost Towns That Built Arizona with Jay Mark

Mesa Public Library - Main Branch 64 E. 1st Street, Mesa, United States

In addition to an entertaining, visual display of the communities, towns and settlements that contributed to the early growth of the state, this presentation also focuses on respect for these diminishing historic resources. Most of the photographs represent a comprehensive exploration of Arizona ghost towns made by Mr. Mark in the 1960’s and 1970’s. This […]

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They Beat the Heat: How Arizonans Survived the Desert Heat in the Days Before Air Conditioning with Christine Reid

Glendale Public Library - Foothills Library - Roadrunner Room 19055 N 57th Ave, Glendale, United States

Drawing from multi-cultural influences of the variety of people who helped build Arizona, discover how creative adaptations in lifestyle, architecture, building materials, town planning and even humor all contributed to surviving intense desert temperatures. What have we forgotten and what can we learn from the wisdom of those who came before as climate becomes a […]

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Arizona’s Vintage Signs: Lighting the Future with Marshall Shore

Northwest Regional Library 16089 North Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ, United States

Arizona has become a hotbed of preserving vintage signage and neon. No wonder, with the rise of Arizona and automobile travel in the 40s, 50s and 60s. Thousands of people were traversing the broad expanses of highways and byways across the Southwest. As the cars sped past, restaurants, motels, curio shops and gas stations needed […]

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Dia de los Muertos Storytelling with Zarco Guerrero

City of Surprise City Hall - City Council Chambers 16000 N Civic Center Plaza, Surprise, AZ, United States

Dia de Los Muertos is a highly celebrated and significant holiday held throughout Mexico, Latin America and the Southwest. It is a day when homage is paid with prayers, offerings of food and the building of altars to those who have gone before us. Join Zarco and his unique masked characters as they celebrate Día […]

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Representation Matters: LGBTQ+ Representation in the Media, Then and Now with David Boyles

Arizona Humanities 1242 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, United States

Across the country, battles are being fought about the exposure of young people to LGBTQ+ representation in schools. Some schools have Gay-Straight Alliance clubs and other activities, so that all young people are represented and engaged. Other schools argue that this is harmful to young people, and expressly ban books, topics and discussions that represent […]

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Education in the News: Talking about LGBTQ+ Identity in Schools with Derek Keith

Chandler Public Library-Sunset Branch 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, AZ, United States

Debates over education—what is included and what is excluded—seem more heated these days. New legislative measures across the country seek to regulate curriculum and discussion about LGBTQ+ identity in schools. Lawmakers along with parents and community members are also asserting more control over books children read in the classroom, including literature on LGBTQ+ experiences. Should […]

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