V.S. community book club discusses issues of race

In an effort to spur on discussions among residents about racial inequities that afflict so many in the country, this past July Valley Streamer Qumyka Howell started a book club to do just that.

Howell, who is Black, said she hopes that through the club, residents can educate themselves through discussion of the myriad ways racism rears its ugly head.

“I hoped that by starting this book club on the topic of race inequality, I would be able to bring awareness, educate and help people to reflect and be aware of their behaviors and become better citizens,” she said, “which will ultimately impact the schools and the policies and bring forth a better community.” 

Over the months the club has continued to grow, Howell said, with around 60 members currently following its Facebook page. The members discuss which books they would like to read next, and meet the last Thursday of every other month over Zoom to share their thoughts.

The first book that the book club read was “Living for change,” by Grace Lee Boggs, an autobiography in which the author discusses her social activism. The group then read, “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America,” which covered how government ordinances and policies have reinforced segregation in America.

“Typically, during the book club meetings participants will reflect on their personal experiences by relating it to our lives and finding similarities of how the book topic relates to our Valley Stream community,” Howell said. Her favorite aspect of the club, she said, is that she finds that it has brought many people in the Valley Stream community together that might have never met. 

“I just enjoy hearing so many other people’s perspectives, and when two people disagree in the group, there’s no disrespect, but we always strive to have cordial and intellectual conversations based on knowledge in a safe space,” Howell said.

Participants say they have gained greater insight on a multitude of issues through the club’s discussions.

“The book club has inspired me to read more,” Valley Streamer Ulla Kjarval said. “I have small children, so I often don’t have time to read, but this book club has motivated me to make time and reading feels like self care.”

“I have a great love of books and discussion, and I love how the book club is done virtually, because it’s super convenient,” Valley Stream resident, Sandra Proto. In particular Proto enjoyed “Living For Change” because she found it interesting how involved the author, who was Chinese American, was in the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 60s.

With more free time on his hands amid the pandemic Diego Yangali said he was excited to join when he first hear about it. He said he has also enjoyed the social aspect of it.

“I really enjoy reading because I feel books are so important and the book club is such a safe and welcoming group,” Yangali said. “Every time you read a book, there is something to learn and you never stop learning. This book club has shown me how different people can relate and how many different perspectives people have. It’s so rewarding.”