Source: Nuala Hanlon
The Evergreen Park Public Library hosted Chief Diversity Officer Natalie Page, Ed. D., and Political Science Professor Matthew Costello, Ph. D. on Sept. 25.
Mary Black, teen librarian, asked Page and Costello to facilitate a community conversation about the graphic novel “I am Alfonso Jones” written by Tony Medina and illustrated by Stacey Robinsin and John Jennings, Costello noted.
The graphic novel depicts the story of Alfonso Jones, a young black man who is mistakenly killed by a police officer. The story follows Jones’ introduction to the afterlife in which he is greeted by well-known victims of police shootings. They teach Jones everything he needs to know about the afterlife, while his family struggles to deal with their grief while also seeking justice for Jones.
Page expressed that it is “is a compelling and thought-provoking work of literature that addresses important social issues, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in promoting social justice and understanding the experiences of marginalized communities.”
The graphic novel explores the impacts of systemic racism through the lens of Jones’ journey to the afterlife.
Page and Costello worked closely together in preparation for the community conversation, Costello noted that he enjoyed his conversations with Page.
Page emphasized that her favorite part of the process was reading the very popular book and “preparing for a great discussion with others who have read and admired this transformative graphic narrative.”
Attendees of the event anticipated a discussion that would “look at various themes with hopes of having a rich discussion on how people resonate with this story” Page expressed.
Costello added that he hoped for a “lively discussion of the current racial climate, the responses to events such as those depicted and discussed in the text, and the ideas about race in America”.
The first 20 registrants for the event received a free copy of the graphic novel the evening’s discussion centered on, “I am Alfonso Jones” the press release noted.
Page added that both she and Costello participated in book discussions with the Evergreen Park Public Library and that the library is “always looking for creative ways to engage readers”.
To find out more about future events or to check out a copy of the graphic novel, those interested can visit the Evergreen Park Public Library’s website, evergreenparklibrary.org.