December 23, 2020 – Decatur Public Library has announced that its “Conversations with Kabedi and Kaream” middle school book group has been awarded a Healing Illinois grant. Healing Illinois is a statewide initiative by the Illinois Department of Human Services, in conjunction with The Chicago Community Trust, that funds efforts across the state to address racism and begin healing.
The $2,500 grant was made possible by The United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois, an intermediary organization that was awarded monies to dispense in our area. According to Debra Bogle, President, United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois, “This grant has allowed us to partner with so many groups [like DPL] that are working diligently to bring racial equity and healing to our community.”
That is what “Conversations with Kabedi and Kaream,” book group, held via Zoom in Fall 2020, has sought to do. Students from all backgrounds read and discussed books with facilitators Kabedi Mulomede and Kaream Williams. One of the kids’ favorite books was New Kid by Jerry Craft. DPL will use the grant money to host another event, discussing New Kid’s companion book, Class Act. As an added bonus, Newbery Award and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author, Jerry Craft, will join in the discussion and answer students’ questions.
