2014 Archive

The City of East Lansing and Michigan State University announce the 2014 One Book, One Community (OBOC) program, featuring three voices on race in America.

"March Book One” by U.S. Congressman John Lewis
U.S. Congressman John Lewis, author of the graphic novel “March Book One,” played an instrumental role in the struggle to end legalized racial discrimination and segregation and is the only living "Big Six" leader of the American Civil Rights Movement. In 1965, he led the march on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. known as “Bloody Sunday.”

“Fruitvale Station” by Film Writer and Director Ryan Coogler
“Fruitvale Station” is based on a true story of the 22-year-old black man who was killed by a Bay Area Rapid Transit police officer on a subway platform in Oakland, Calif. The film stars Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz and Octavia Spencer. The film debuted at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film. This is 28-year-old Coogler’s first feature-length film.

“The Grace of Silence” by Michele Norris
Michele Norris, NPR personality and author of the best-selling memoir, Grace of Silence, is an award-winning journalist and former co-host of NPR’s All Things Considered. The book explores her family's racial legacy and discusses how America talks about race. She also developed The Race Card Project and Backseat Book Club. 

2014 Calendar of Events

KICK-OFF: An Evening with U.S. Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell
Monday, Aug. 25; 7:30 p.m.
East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road
Meet U.S. Congressman John Lewis as he discusses his experiences as a key figure of the Civil Rights movement, talks about “March Book One” and signs books. He will be joined by co-author Andrew Aydin and illustrator Nate Powell. Admission is first come, first serve. Doors open at 7 p.m. It's free.

MSU Academic Welcome featuring U.S. Congressman John Lewis
Monday, Aug. 25; 9 a.m.
Jack Breslin Student Events Center, MSU Campus
U.S. Congressman John Lewis will address incoming MSU freshman class at the MSU Academic Welcome. Open to the general public .It's free.

An Evening with Film Writer and Director Ryan Coogler
Tuesday, Sept. 2; 7 p.m.
Kellogg Center Auditorium, 219 S. Harrison Road (MSU Campus)
Writer and director Ryan Coogler will talk about his film “Fruitvale Station” to the community. The film is available on DVD and a number of free public film showings will take place in East Lansing and the MSU campus. Parking will be validated. Watch Film Trailer. It's free.

Writing Workshop led by MSU Professor Anita Skeen
Wednesdays, Sept. 10, 17, 24 ; 4-6 p.m. & 7-9 p.m.
East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road
This engaging writing workshop will include three weeks of creative writing and discussion, followed by a participant reading on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. in the RCAH Theater, C210 Snyder Hall, MSU Campus. Space is limited and registration is required. 

World View Lecture Series: NPR Contributor and Award-Winning Author Michele Norris
Monday, Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Wharton Center for Performing Arts, MSU Campus
NPR personality and award-winning journalist Michele Norris will speak about her memoir "The Grace of Silence" and the "Race Card" project and will sign books. This program is co-sponsored by OBOC and the World View Lecture Series. This is a ticketed event, $20 (general public) and $0 (MSU students/faculty). Tickets can be purchased online.

60/50 Theatre Project 
Sept. 18-21; Sept. 24-28
A world premiere theatrical examination of MSUs involvement with human and civil rights in conjunction with the year-long commemoration of the Civil Rights Act and Brown vs. Board of Education ruling. Written by Rob Roznowski in collaboration with Daniel Smith. Directed by Christina Traister. General Admission: $10 all tickets. 

Film Showings
Watch Ryan Coogler's film, "Fruitvale Station," (R) prior to his visit to East Lansing on Sept. 2. The film is based on a true story of a 22-year-old black man who was killed by a Bay Area Rapid Transit police officer on a subway platform in Oakland, Calif. All showings are free.

Monday, July 21; 6:30 p.m.
East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road
Super Cinema Conversations Featuring "Fruitvale Station" 
(MSU faculty and staff only)

Tuesday, July 29; 9 a.m.
B122 Wells Hall, MSU Campus
MSU faculty and staff will participate in a professional development event that directly engages in meaningful dialogue. To register, please visit the Project 60/50 for instructions.
East Lansing Public Library Film: "Fruitvale Station" 

Monday, Aug. 18; 6:30 p.m.
East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road
Campus Center Cinema: "Fruitvale Station"

Wednesday, August 27; 7 p.m.
112 Brody, MSU Campus
After the film, faculty and graduate students from the Department of Teacher Education will facilitate an interactive post-screening discussion entitled "From Fruitvale to Ferguson."
Campus Center Cinema: "Fruitvale Station" 

Thursday, August 28; 8 p.m.
B115 Wells Hall, MSU Campus
After the film, faculty and graduate students from the Department of Teacher Education will facilitate an interactive post-screening discussion entitled "From Fruitvale to Ferguson."
MSU Library Film: "Fruitvale Station" 

Thursday, Aug. 28; 7 p.m.
W449 Michigan State University Main Library, MSU Campus
Dr. Terrion L. Williamson (MSU Department of English) will lead a discussion about the abiding impact and broad social and historical effects of race and racism following the film. It's free.

Campus Center Cinema: "Fruitvale Station"
Thursday, September 4; 7 p.m.
B115 Wells Hall, MSU Campus