A new Community Read event in Fruita during May will feature the book “Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist” by Eli Saslow, with an accompanying series of discussions exploring equality, race, diversity, and inclusivity in the Fruita community.
“Rising Out of Hatred” tells the personal story of one man who eventually disavowed everything he believed, at tremendous personal cost. With empathy and verve, Saslow asks what the story of Derek Black – whom the author calls “the rightful heir to America’s white nationalist movement” – says about America’s increasingly divided nature.
Copies of “Rising Out of Hatred” are available for checkout from Mesa County Libraries and for purchase through local bookstores. The book contains some coarse language and is appropriate for high school-age readers and older.
The Community Read and discussions are organized by Fruita for Equality, an initiative to promote and support equality, inclusivity, and diversity through meaningful conversations and action in the community. Collaborators in Fruita for Equality include Mesa County Libraries, Fruita Rotary, the city of Fruita, and Lithic Bookstore and Gallery. The event is supported by a grant from the American Library Association.
The book and discussions are relevant to current events as the country wrestles with questions of race, diversity, and equality.
“Fruita for Equality is excited to support a meaningful, book-based conversation on the topics of equality, inclusivity, diversity, and race within our community,” said Shanachie Carroll, manager of the Mesa County Libraries Fruita Branch and a member of the Fruita for Equality committee. “The title that we’ve selected, ‘Rising Out of Hatred’ by Eli Saslow, contains a powerful narrative about one’s capacity to change their heart and mind. We are excited to share this narrative with our community and hope that it sparks a healthy discussion on community values.”
Events begin with a kickoff gathering Friday, May 7, and culminate in a community discussion about “Rising Out of Hatred” May 26. A full Schedule of Events is included below.
Fruita Community Read: Schedule of Events
- Kickoff Event
- 5 p.m. Friday, May 7, at Fruita Civic Center Park
Join us for an open-house community discussion on the topic of equality, race, diversity, and inclusivity within the community. Listen to stories from your neighbors, share ideas about change, and get involved! This event is for all ages. Drop in and share your story! This community engagement event is part of a larger series where the community will come together to read and discuss, and we’d love to hear your input!
- Anti-Bias Workshop, presented by Shannon Robinson
- 5 p.m. Saturday, May 8
- In-person event at Fruita Middle School Auditorium, with online option via Zoom
Join Shannon Robinson, a community activist, harm-reduction trainer, and member of the Positive Women’s Network Colorado (PWNCO), as she helps us discover our hidden biases and how the BIPoC community is affected by bias, oppression, and stigmas at the local level. In-person seating is limited due to current COVID public health restrictions.
Zoom meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89730105625
Meeting ID: 897 3010 5625
- Healing from the Trauma of Divisiveness, presented by Hali Nurnberg
- 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, at Fruita Civic Center Park
Hali Nurnberg, a local therapist with a master’s degree in international disaster psychology, shares tips to work through the trauma of divisiveness and how to heal relationships. After the presentation, she will facilitate a discussion on how to reconnect with friends, family, and neighbors and how to begin those conversations.
- How to be an Ally, presented by Black Citizens and Friends
- 5 p.m. Friday, May 21, at Fruita Civic Center Park
Join Fruita for Equality for a small group-based discussion about allyship, which is the process of building supportive relationships with members of marginalized communities. The discussion will include members of Black Citizens and Friends, as well as members of other marginalized communities.
- “Rising Out of Hatred” Community Discussion
- 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, at Fruita Civic Center Park
Join us for a community discussion on the topics of racism, equality, inclusivity, and diversity as they pertain to the community. The purpose of this talk is to hear a diverse set of viewpoints and use the book “Rising Out of Hatred” to help guide and facilitate conversation.