My name is Chitra Vairavan, the new arrival to the East Side Freedom Library! I am looking forward to being a part of the incredible work of the Freedom Library, both as the Operations Manager and as an artist-activist building in the community.
I am an artist of Tamil/South Indian-American descent residing in Minneapolis. I was born and raised in the inner city, North side of Milwaukee, WI to two Tamil-Immigrant parents who instilled in me the importance of my cultural and artistic roots, and language from birth. It was their commitment to my artistic growth and cultural knowledge that nurtured my foundations as a dancer and artist. Art was a matter of survival and creative healing in the American landscape from there.
Through dance and creative work, I developed my voice as a social justice advocate and administrator in the Twin Cities, working in both legal and nonprofit systems centering equity and justice. The balance of my experiences are reflected in the Freedom Library space, books, programming and purpose, which speak integrally to me as a person. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues Peter Rachleff and Clarence White in service of the Freedom Library.
Come visit the East Side Freedom Library and share your story with me. Let’s talk social justice, advocacy and equity for all.
Peace,
Chitra