We’re sure that many of you have wondered – because some of you have asked – how does the East Side Freedom Library manage to organize so many timely and powerful programs? The answer is that most of what we do, after six-and-a-half years of operation, emerges from the partnerships within which we are fortunate to be enmeshed. We can’t take credit for the ideas for these programs, only the good sense to listen to our neighbors.
We’ve had a long and deepening relationship with the Twin Cities Japanese American Citizens League. We have collaborated with them on two exhibits of John Matsunaga’s photography of the WWII concentration camps in which his grandparents and parents were incarcerated, along with 120,000 Japanese-Americans, and programs placing their experiences in conversation with those of other communities. Two years ago, they placed their wonderful library here at ESFL. This month, they have asked us to host a program marking their “Day of Remembrance,” which will feature an award-winning PBS documentary, “Conscience and the Constitution,” and a panel including Frank Abe, the film’s writer and director.
ESFL has partnered several times with the On Stage project, which seeks to provide non-traditional audiences with access not just to theater, but to the processes which go into the making of theater. Professional writers, directors, and actors bring work, often unfinished, to share and discuss with our communities. On February 22, we are being invited to explore the as-yet unproduced play, “The Most Beautiful Home … Maybe.” Given our work on Housing Justice, this should be a great opportunity to explore critical issues, as well as the dramatic process.
ESFL has partnered for more three years with the Ramsey County Historical Society in a monthly program called “History Revealed.” We bring writers and scholars who are exploring local history into conversations with our communities. We are thrilled to be hosting Dr. Josie Johnson and her compelling memoir, Hope in the Struggle, on Tuesday evening, February 23.
These partnerships not only bring great presenters and great stories to ESFL’s platforms, whether in person or virtually, but they also bring our communities into conversation with people who are connected with these organizations. These are great opportunities for us all. Please join us.
Love and Solidarity,
Beth Cleary and Peter Rachleff
We want to remind you that, should you miss a program when it airs on our Zoom, Facebook, or YouTube platforms, you can still catch it afterwards! Please check out our YouTube archive of videos. We have also converted many of programs into podcasts for listening in the car, while exercising, while cooking, whatever.