Each persons journey is a book and at this unique program\, you will have the opportunity to listen to personal jour neys and converse with three live books from our community. Participate in three small group interactions to expand your knowledge and build underst anding with various community members.
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\nA B ody in Translation by Aashay Dalvi
\nA Body in Translation is an event that delves into the layered experiences of being a newcomer t o Canada\, specifically through the lens of being South Asian\, queer\, tr ans femme\, non-binary\, and dark-skinned. In a deeply personal and empowe ring exploration\, Aashay Dalvi\, an anti-racism consultant for SPECTRUM a nd founder of Rad Riot Books\, shares their journey navigating these inter sections in the context of the Waterloo Region.
\nThe event highligh ts the unique challenges faced by racialized newcomers\, especially queer and trans individuals\, who often confront not only systemic racism but al so transphobia\, homophobia\, and the erasure of their identities within m ainstream narratives. Aashay&rsquo\;s perspective\, rooted in their South Asian heritage\, addresses the complexities of colonialism and its ongoing impact on marginalized communities. Their work as an activist and advocat e in Waterloo Region\, alongside their dedication to decolonizing literatu re\, has positioned them as a vital voice for equity and representation.\n
Through storytelling\, Aashay sheds light on how their identity as a dark-skinned\, queer\, and trans femme person intersects with advocacy a nd activism in the region. They emphasize the importance of creating space s that celebrate anti-colonial and queer-affirming narratives\, empowering newcomers and marginalized individuals to reclaim their stories and ident ities.
\nA Body in Translation is not just a reflection of lived exp eriences but a call to action for communities to embrace the voices of tho se who exist at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities\, ch allenging the colonial frameworks that have long silenced them.
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\nFrom There to Here by Marjorie-Ann Knight\n
Marjorie has a lot of lived experience when it comes to the challen ges and consequences of poverty. She has struggled as a member of the work ing poor\, experiencing precarious work while raising a family. She is pas sionate about advocating for those who struggle due to inadequate income a nd services. In 2018\, Marjorie took her first step into politics and rema ins active in the Riding of Cambridge for the NDP. She continues to be eng aged in her community and is a founding member of Rhythm and Blues Cambrid ge\, working with community partners to create opportunities for our BIR c ommunities. She may be found working as Community Faculty with the Lyle Ha llman School of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University where she engage s with the upcoming social workers in our community. Marjorie currently se rves on the boards of The Cambridge Shelter Corp and ACCKWA. She is presen tly employed as a Family Outreach Worker with the House of Friendship in C ambridge.
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\nThis is What it Looks Like to Ca re About Community by Chrissy Hodgins\, CEO of Cambridge Public Library
\nChrissy Hodgins is the CEO of Cambridge Public Library\, ar riving in the role in 2023. She loves to hear and learn about others. Shar ing and finding connections between people and ideas is the highlight of h er day. Admittedly\, talking about herself isn&rsquo\;t always easy\, but one of her personal values includes being authentic which does mean being brave enough to be vulnerable. Chrissy has called many places home\, and t hey have experienced plenty of challenges and successes\; they will look t o share stories about themselves that may be relatable by many\, by some a nd by few.
\nCommunity takes all shapes and forms and people\, like this book&rsquo\;s author\, can count themselves fortunate when they belon g to many. Whether it is family\, extended family\, friends\, workplaces\, and anyplace you&rsquo\;ve called home\, you have as much to gain from co mmunity as you can give. Working in public service at five different publi c libraries across the country\, provided this book with valuable perspect ive and opportunities. This book will share what public library service lo oks like at its best\, where challenges are encountered and how this inter sects between the person and the profession.
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\nAccessibility
If you require an accessibility accommodation for
this program or event\, please tell us how we can meet your needs as soon
as possible so arrangements can be organized. If you require a sign langu
age interpreter\, please let us know at least two-weeks (10 working weekda
ys) before the program date. \;
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If you are at
tending a registered program with a support person\, please add your suppo
rt worker as a guest when you sign up. \;
COST: Free
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