Last updated on March 4, 2015
by Cynthia Hernandez// Staff Writer
Volunteer State Community College and the Gallatin community have simultaneously read the book “The Other Wes Moore.”
Vol State is partnering with all Sumner County Public libraries and high schools on the “One Book, One Community” project.
The community-wide book read will be accompanied by a special lecture series aimed to reflect and relate about what is relevant in the book and in current society.
The series began Tuesday, Feb. 10, with a feature film that was shown twice in the Thigpen Library.
The documentary “American Promise” observes the lives of two young black men as they grow up in the American school system.
For those that missed the film, the library has added it to their collection.
“We’re hoping for a better turnout at our other events,” said Julie Brown, a Vol State librarian.
Dr. Kenny Yarbrough, director of the office of Student Life and Diversity Initiatives, was scheduled to lead a discussion on “deadbeat dads” in the Wemyss Auditorium Monday, Feb. 16, but due to the inclement weather which closed the Gallatin campus for three days, the deadbeat dads discussion has yet to be rescheduled.
Vol State will host a panel discussion today at 12:30 p. m. in the Mary Cole Nichols Carpeted Dining Room (CDR) of the Wood Campus Center.
The panel will consist of faculty and campus police and will discuss the tense relationships between the African-American community and the police and possible solutions.
Dr. Michael Torrence, assistant to the vice president of Academic Affairs, will lead a discussion on the ìEffects of Hip-Hop on Society” on Monday, March 2. at 9 a. m. in the Pickel Field House.
Various Sumner County high schools will be on campus for this event.
There will be another lecture focusing on low expectations of young African-American males on Thursday, March 19, at 12:30 p. m. Bill Ligon will lead this discussion in the CDR.
The final discussion will be on the selected book, ìThe Other Wes Moore.î
The community is invited be a part of the discussion to reflect upon the themes and learning points found in the book.
The culminating event will take place from 6 – 8 p. m. on Tuesday, March 24. in the Rochelle Center and Gallery.
The event will include discussion, spoken word artists, music, and student art exhibits said Yarbrough, the project manager.
Apart from these Vol State events, the Sumner County Public Libraries have book clubs that will discuss the book.
Host, Sally Ream, said that Gallatinís book club meets this Wednesday.
The Portland Library is offering a lunch/discussion on March 21.
The Vol State Library has several copies of the book available and offers a two-day rental. The Gallatin and Portland Libraries still have copies of the book available.
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