This month's One Bexley Real Talk communit y conversation takes a look at what environmental racism and ecological ju stice looks like around Columbus. What communities are targeted when large scale city development projects are planned? Who benefits from these proj ects? And what are the long term environmental impacts? Hear stories about communities who have been displaced by city development projects\, learn about what communities are currently being impacted by commercial developm ent and what that means for our environmental wellness around Columbus\, a nd discuss what actions we can take to ensure a healthy environment for al l.
\nOur conversation facilitators this month are Bexley Police Chie f Gary Lewis\, who will share his family's story and the legacy of Hanford Village\, and Michael Wilkos\, Vice Pre sident of Community Engagement at United Way of Central Ohio\, who will fa cilitate a conversation focused on the past\, present\, and future of deve lopment around central Ohio and who it impacts.
\nThe One Bexley Rea l Talk series is an ongoing conversation series where we come together to discuss pressing social issues\, current events\, and challenging topics a round identity and humanity with the goal of building community and streng thening connections in and around Bexley. \;
\nThese conversatio ns are a way to actively engage our community to work toward the One Bexle y Goal to &ldquo\;deliberately and comprehensively bolster our community c ulture to ensure that Bexley is welcoming and provides a sense of belongin g for all community members and visitors.&rdquo\;
\nAbout th is month's moderator:
\nMichael Wilkos&nbs p\;is the Vice President of Community Engagement at United Way of Central Ohio. His team develops effective strategies to improve our communities. P rior to joining United Way\, Michael was Director of Community Research at The Columbus Foundation. During his tenure at the foundation\, he initiat ed\, led\, and managed more than $9 million in competitive grant-making to support holistic community revitalization in Weinland Park\, an effort to stabilize and revitalize a mixed-income community near The Ohio State Uni versity. Before working at the Columbus Foundation\, Michael served as Sen ior Impact Director and Director of Neighborhood Development at United Way of Central Ohio.
\nLibrary Parking &\; Entrance Informat ion:
\nWhile the library's main entrance is under construct ion\, we remain open. Clear signage will guide visitors to a temporary\, f ully accessible entrance via a ramp in the southeast alley\, leading to th e dock entrance.
\nThe library \;parking \;lot also remains open\, with temporary entry and exit available via \;Euclaire Avenue o nly. \;Parking \;may be limited\, so we encourage you to arrive ea rly and use street \;parking \;on Euclaire\, Mound\, and other nea rby streets.
\nFor more information about the Outdoor Reading Room p roject\, visit \;www.BexleyLibrary.org/ORR.
\nhttps://bexley.libne t.info/event/15946416 URL;VALUE=URI:https://bexley.libnet.info/event/15946416 ATTACH:https://static.libnet.info/images/events/bexley/Ecological_Justice_ Communico.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR