Critically acclaimed author Michele Norris headlines Oct. 3 One Minneapolis, One Read event

Sep 28, 2011

Event hosted by MPR's Kerri Miller

Sept. 23, 2011 (MINNEAPOLIS) Award-winning journalist and author Michele Norris will headline an event at the Guthrie Theater Oct. 3 as part of Minneapolis' first-ever community read. One Minneapolis, One Read is an opportunity for people all across town to read a single book and join in a community conversation.

The book selected, "The Grace of Silence," was written by NPR host and Minneapolis native Michele Norris. The book is a memoir describing the experience of the Norrises as the first black family on the block in a south Minneapolis neighborhood in the 1960s.

Throughout the fall and winter, there will be many opportunities for people to join in the community conversation as part of One Minneapolis, One Read. Neighborhood groups, book clubs, libraries, literary centers and others will be holding public events where folks can come together to discuss the book.

Oct. 3 headline event at the Guthrie Theater
The headline One Minneapolis, One Read event will feature the author with MPR News host Kerri Miller discussing the book with the audience. It will be held Monday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. at the Guthrie Theater. Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for seniors, students, limited income. Tickets are available at www.GuthrieTheater.org or by calling the Guthrie at (612) 377-2224.

People are also encouraged to start their own conversations with family, friends, coworkers or neighbors. You can find a host of ideas for how to be a part of One Minneapolis, One Read on the website: www.OneMinneapolisOneRead.com.

About One Minneapolis, One Read
The City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County Library and Minneapolis Public Schools are jointly leading One Minneapolis, One Read with a goal of promoting literacy and respectful public dialogue.

At its heart, One Minneapolis, One Read is a community-driven effort with individuals, neighborhood groups, educators, businesses and nonprofits all coming together to make this a truly citywide read.

The idea for a community read emerged following a controversial debate over a Minneapolis dog park. Neighbors wanted to find ways to talk about race and increase understanding. Minneapolis residents can play a positive role in their communities and explore important - sometimes difficult - issues that they face as a community by reading "The Grace of Silence" and getting involved.

For more information and to get involved, visit www.OneMinneapolisOneRead.com, www.facebook.com/OneMinneapolisOneRead, www.twitter.com/MinneapolisRead, or email oneread@minneapolismn.gov. One Minneapolis, One Read would like to thank community partners: Gray Plant Moody, Minneapolis Foundation, McFarland Cahill Communications, kreativesmith, gokart, sophia.org, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), The Guthrie, Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board, YWCA Time to Talk Forums on Race, Metro Transit.