Diversity Equity & Inclusion
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The "Colored Section" of Oak Ridge Cemetery

February 21, 2022

Join historian, Kathryn Harris for a look into the history of Oak Ridge Cemetery, the second-most visited cemetery in the United States. Learn about the history of the “colored section” and who is buried there including early settlers, victims of the 1908 race riots, and more untold stories.

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Notable Women in Black History

Harriet Tubman, February 15, 2022

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Jarena Lee, February 17, 2022

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Join Kathryn Harris, historian and retired library services director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Illinois, in the portrayal of notable women in Black History including American abolitionist Harriet Tubman and Jarena Lee.

MLK Unity Celebration - January 17, 2022

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Mental Health Check-In

November 1, 2021 - Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube

October 18, 2021 - Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube

This platform seeks to facilitate greater awareness and insight of mental health resources within the community to which members at large may want to connect, to meet any ongoing mental healthcare need for themselves or loved ones.

Understanding Culture

Native American Heritage - September 28, 2021

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Hispanic Heritage - September 14, 2021

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Join us virtually as we recognize and embrace diversity through understanding the influence and contributions of various cultures.

Bilingual Story Times

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Novi Library has a list of Bilingual Story Times featuring Japanese, Korean, Tamil and Hindi.

Women Balancing Life One Day at a Time - September 20, 2021

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Women Balancing Life One Day at a Time - August 23, 2021

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Join us for this Mental Health Series as we discuss with the professionals the many challenges women face in balancing work, home, family, friends, relationships, body image, health, self-care, grief, stages and ages, and more.

DIA "Behind the Seen" - In Our Own Voice - African American Art - July 27, 2021

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Enhance your awareness of the contributions of African Americans from the 19th century examining issues of race, gender, politics and culture.

Cultural Connections & Conversation - July 19, 2021

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Join the dialogue, as presenters from various ethnic and racial backgrounds talk about similarities, differences, and acceptance.

DIA "Behind the Seen" - Seeking the Sacred - July 13, 2021

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Compare different ways people throughout the world have used works of art to communicate ideas about religion and spirituality.

Community Listening Session - June 22, 2021

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Novi residents were invited to take part in another conversation session on 6/22 to share thoughts, ideas and experiences as it relates to the NPL and building of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the organization.

Understanding and Recognizing the Significance of Juneteenth - June 19, 2021

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Watch this panel discussion with Mr. Arlanda Walker, Mr. Kevin Scott and Dr. Jay Mark as they talk about the importance of June 19th.

Asian-Indian American Cultural Dialogue - May 18, 2021

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The Asian-Indian american diaspora in their own way, face a variety of exceptional issues stemming from racial biases, immigration, the impact of India's border closings, loss of professional opportunities, discrimination, equity and social justice issues. View this conversation to learn the unique challenges that Indian American's face.

Asian-American Conversations on Hate, Equality, and Understanding: Part II - May 1, 2021

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Mental Health Discussion: Talking Teen Stress - April 27, 2021

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Many teens have experienced an increased level of stress over the past year. Join them, along with licensed counselors, psychologists, and social workers as they discuss feelings of worry, frustration, and depression.

The Rise in Asian American & Pacific Islander Hate Crimes - April 12, 2021

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Celebrating Women's History Month - March 18, 2021

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Special guests Kathy Crawford and the American Association of University Women (AAUW) talk about the significance of this month while highlighting remarkable women in history

Mental Health Check-In

April 19, 2021

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Special guests: Dr. Crystal Jackson, Board Certified Psychologist, and Dr. Judy Jacobs.

March 8, 2021

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Special guests: Dr. Crystal Jackson, Board Certified Psychologist, and Heather Brown, LPC, ATR-BC

Young Black Doctors: Exploring and Empowering Our Community - February 25, 2021

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Join seven doctors and support their mission as they share their stories about becoming medical doctors! Special guests: Herman Gray, M.D., Carl Tabb II, M.D., Randall McPherson, M.D., Gini Ikwuezunma, M.D., Drs. Jeremy and Jermaine Hogstrom and Chinemelu Donald Okoye, M.D.

See How We Celebrate...Chinese New Year - February 14, 2021

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Special guests: the Michigan New Century Chinese School, the Association of Chinese Americans and the Chinese Bible Church

Black History Month Spotlight Series

February 11, 2021 - Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube

Special Guests: Mrs. Nicole Carter and Dr. Alexander Ofili, Novi Principals

February 18, 2021 - Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube

Special Guest: Gail Perry-Mason, author, Money Matters for Youth Founder and Senior Director of a Financial Firm

February 22, 2021 - Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube

Special Guests: Michael D. Johnson & Michael J. Johnson, Father/Son Certified Financial Planner/Professional & business owners

MLK Tribute Video - January 18, 2021

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Thanks to the City of Novi, organizations, students, and the community who helped make this video possible. Thanks to Aaron Parrott for the background music.

MLK Virtual UNITY Celebration - January 18, 2021

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Watch to enjoy music, hear guest speakers, and watch presentations on this day of unity and service!

Fraternity & Sorority Read Story Time

December 1, 2020 - Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube

December 8, 2020 - Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube

January 5, 2021- Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube

January 2021 - Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube

February 2, 2021 - Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube

February 9, 2021 - Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube

March 2, 2021 - Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube

March 11, 2021 - Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube

March 17, 2021 - Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube

March 22, 2021 - Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube

Stories were selected by NPL and read by members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and AKA Sorority.

Mental Health Series

The Psychological Impact of Racism - December 10, 2020

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Learn the different ways in which we carry the burden of racism (anger, depression, anxiety), understand the traumatic effect of racism, gain awareness of internalized racism and learn the A-B-C’s and 1-2-3’s of promoting peace inside and out.

How Are the Kids? - December 17, 2020

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Learn to recognize and address the emotional and mental well-being of our pre-teens and teens during the pandemic. Stress-Isolation-Distracted-Sadness-Quiet. Special guests: Dr. Crystal Jackson, licensed psychologist & Heather Brown, licensed professional counselor.

Supporting Frontline Workers & Educators - January 7, 2021

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Learn coping mechanisms and emotional well-being during the pandemic and more. Special guests: Dr. Crystal Jackson, licensed psychologist & Selena Schmidt, nurse practitioner.

Man Stress - You're Not Alone - January 14, 2021

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Learn how to recognize stress, admit that you have it, what triggers it, and how to get support. Special guests: Dr. Crystal Jackson, licensed psychologist, and Joe Lilly, Licensed Master Social Worker.

African American Ethnic Cultural Discussion Group

December 3, 2020 - Watch on Facebook | Watch on YouTube

Join us virtually as we Inform. Inspire. Include. through cultural conversations on customs, common language, holidays and events, inspirations, literature, small talk, history, and resources, designed for specific ethnic cultures.

Novi Public Library International & ELL YouTube

Spring English Language Learning | Watch on YouTube

Vocabulary, read aloud and practice questions about spring for English Language Learners.

Internet Safety English Language Learning | Watch on YouTube

Vocabulary, read aloud and practice questions about internet safety for English Language Learners.

English Conversation Group: COVID-19 | Watch on YouTube

Vocabulary, read aloud and practice questions about the Coronavirus for English Language Learners.

English Conversation Group: Banking | Watch on YouTube

Vocabulary, read aloud and practice questions about banking for English Language Learners.

A Community Listening Session - Aired October 27, 2020

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The Novi Public Library invited the community to share their thoughts and experiences regarding how NPL can improve race relation practices with the Black community. To view the Zoom chat, please click here.

Community Listening Session Reflection - Aired November 9, 2020

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The DEI Committee listened deeply to the comments and questions from the Community Listening Session and invited the community to a reflection and discussion to help the Novi Public Library enact needed change to fully support the Black Community. To view the Zoom chat, please click here.

Talking Racism Series

Combating Racial Injustices - Aired July 7, 2020

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Special Guests:

- Hon. Alisha Bell: Chair Wayne County Commission

- Dr. Ken L. Harris, Ph. D (Washington D.C.): President/CEO National Business League

Racism Is Not A “Black People” Issue - Aired July 14, 2020

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Special Guests:

- Hon. Cynthia D. Stephens: Judge of the Michigan Court of Appeal, First District

- Mr. Reginald Turner: President Elect, American Bar Association

Teens/Young Adults Talk Racism Views & Experiences - Aired July 16, 2020

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Special Guests:

- Area teens & young adults

Talking With Your Kids About Racism - Aired July 22, 2020

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Special Guests:

- Dr. Rose Moten: Psychologist of BLOOM Transformation Center

- Dr. Katherine G. Gothard: PSY.D

- Mrs. Paula Henry: PAASN President

Why Take A Knee? - Aired July 30, 2020

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Special Guests:

- Hon. Mary Sheffield: Detroit City Council President Pro Tem

- Mr. Mark A. Douglas: Avis Ford, Inc. President

- Mr. James Tate, Detroit City Council

Family Book Discussion Kits

The Novi Public Library's Family Discussion Kits were created to celebrate diverse voices and help facilitate family discussions about racial equity, identity, and justice. Each kit includes discussion questions for recommended books, further recommended reading, activities, and other resources to help parents talk with their children about various topics related to race, identity, and equity. Kits intended for children aged 4-7 and their families are broken down into 4 topics: Identity & Belonging, Immigration & Refugees, Joy & Self-Love, and Solidarity & Activism. Kits intended for children aged 8-11 are broken down into 4 similar topics: Identity & Belonging, Immigration & Refugees, Justice & Systemic Racism, and Solidarity & Activism.

Click here to access the digital version of the Family Discussion Kits!

Physical kits will also occasionally be available in the library at the 1st Floor Information Desk on a first come, first serve basis.

Youth Braille Collection

Did you know that the Library has a Special Needs Collection containing Braille youth fiction, picture books, and board books? The Library also offers several Story Time Backpacks containing Braille books and manipulatives. Click here for more information.

The youth department will be highlighting current events and many of the holidays and observances celebrated in our diverse community.

Safe Space

NPL is a supportive and affirming environment for the LGBTQ+ community and we want you to know that you are included and welcome at our library! Posters have been hung to show that NPL is a safe space for all. Click here for additional information about GLSEN.

International Language Resources

Books: NPL has international materials for both youth and adults. This collection features books in Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, German, Gujarati, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Marathi, Portuguese (Brazilian), Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tamil, and Telugu. These books can be checked out for 3 weeks.

Magazines: NPL currently subscribes to many foreign language magazines and newspapers. Click here to view a complete list.

Films: NPL offers international films in over 40 languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Hindi, Korean, etc. NPL also has an Anime collection. Anime is a term used to define a style of animation in Japan that is often characterized by stark colorful graphics depicting vibrant characters in action-filled plots often with fantastic or futuristic themes. It is aimed at children and adults.

Click here for additional International Language Resource information.

KultureCity

The Library has recently partnered with KultureCity; a wonderful organization that makes the nevers possible, by creating sensory accessibility and inclusion for those with invisible disabilities. Click here for more information or stop at any of our service desks to inquire.