“Stamped from the Beginning”: Virginia Beach Public Library to Host Reading Program Discussing Race

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – The Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) is hosting a reading program to bring community members together and discuss the breed.

Entitled “Stamped from the Beginning,” the program includes a variety of engaging exhibitions and events that will culminate in February 2022. Below are two upcoming events inviting residents and community members to the city:

• “Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality,” an exhibit from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, is now on display at the Central Library through Monday, October 18.
• A StoryWalk® based on the award-winning book “The Undefeated,” by author Kwame Alexander and illustrator Kadir Nelson, will be on display at the Kempsville Library on Thursday, September 30 from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, and will appear at community events, including the Virginia African American Cultural Center’s Fall community festival Saturday October 2.

The program is centered on Dr Ibram X. Kendi “Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America” for adult readers, and its adaptations, “Racism, Anti-Racism, and You” for Teens, by Kendi and Jason Reynolds; and “Stamped (for Kids): Racism, Antiracism and You,” by Kendi, Reynolds and Sonja Cherry-Paul.

Local officials say discussions on the books will begin in October, while programs, including African American genealogy and local history workshops, will begin later in the fall and winter.

“Stamped from the Beginning” is funded by a grant from Virginia Humanities and the Hampton Roads Community Foundation (HRCF) as part of the program “Beneath the surface“ initiative designed to increase awareness of the role race and racism play in the issues facing South Hampton Roads.

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