Opportunities for shared experiences among people from different backgrounds are shrinking. Nearly every trend line shows the U.S. in the grips of increased polarization, segregation and social isolation. There is an urgent need to reverse these trends. Libraries, as public assets, have the unique opportunity to bridge socioeconomic divides and rebuild trust. But in order to do so, they must be truly welcoming to all. This talk centers on ways that we as a city might work collaboratively in creating a library that is welcoming to all, and that bridges socioeconomic divides through examples of productive partnerships in Memphis. Shamichael Hallman currently serves as the manager of the historic Cossitt Library in Memphis, TN. As a part of the national Reimagining the Civic Commons initiative, Cossitt Library is undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation which is estimated to be completed in 2020. The redesigned library will provide numerous weekly opportunities, and serve as an active and engaging community resource. Shamichael serves on a number of boards in Memphis, volunteers as pastor at a multi-site church, has helped organized over 25 faith-inspired hackathons across the world, and was selected as a 40 under 40 honoree in 2019 by Memphis Business Journal. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
16 мар 2020
