Visit Baltimore Meeting & Event Planning Guide Fall 2021 - Adaptability Issue | Page 34

INSPIRING READS
INSPIRING READS
Find these local and nationally-renowned authors at our local shops or library .
“ Art Activism : The Workbook Edition ” by Aaron M . Maybin
“ Black Seeds : The Poetry and Reflections of Tariq Toure ”
“ How to Be an Antiracist ” by Ibram X . Kendi
“ The Master Plan : My Journey from Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose ” by Chris Wilson
MEET LOCAL
“ We Speak for Ourselves : A Word from Forgotten Black America ” by D . Watkins
" The Antiracist : How to Start the Conversation about Race and Take Action " by Kondwani Fidel
WHERE TO LOOK Atomic Books , 3620 Falls Rd . Bird in Hand , 11 E . 33rd St . Greedy Reads , 1744 Aliceanna St . and 320 W . 29th St . Red Emma ’ s Bookstore Coffeehouse , 1225 Cathedral St . The Ivy Bookshop , 6080 Falls Rd . The Book Escape , 805 Light St . Enoch Pratt Free Library , Central Library , 400 Cathedral St .
a warm , welcoming environment for all visitors , but especially those of color . This is critical in a city like Baltimore , where nearly a quarter of the city ’ s annual visitors are African American ,” explains Al Hutchinson , President & CEO of Visit Baltimore . “ We want travelers to leave Baltimore telling their friends and family that they visited one of the most inclusive and diverse destinations in America .”
That said , while it ’ s important to learn about different groups of people , and how their life experiences and expectations may be different , it ’ s also important to understand that everyone doesn ’ t think alike , and that groups aren ’ t monolithic . There are no shortcuts to this process , and no magical fixes , but authentic and open conversations can go a long way .
It also should be noted that the training wasn ’ t focused on fostering guilt . “ I think that a major misconception is that [ diversity , equity and inclusion ] training is about ‘ shame and blame ’ and making people , especially white people , feel guilty ,” Murray notes . “ My approach is to encourage real dialogue , that at times may feel uncomfortable , but is not designed to shame anyone .”
To share these points , and more , Murray taught attendees in large and small group sessions , with large sessions focusing
on creating an educational foundation and small sessions allowing attendees to participate in
Above : Atomic Books in Hampden is known for its eclectic selection of books that elevates local and diverse voices .
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