One Read For Racial Justice: Dream Country

A One Read for Racial Justice Initiative

What is a One Read?

A “One Read” is an event where everyone in a particular community reads the same book and comes together to discuss it. Think of it like a giant book club. Often in addition to a shared reading, there are a series of events that give context and relate to the book’s theme.

“People can go for days at a time not talking to anyone outside their immediate family. There are precious few opportunities for people of different ethnic background, economic levels or ages to sit down together and discuss ideas that are important to them this project provides that opportunity.” — Nancy Pearl, Director, Washington Center for the Book

“The idea is that the city that opens the same book closes it in greater harmony.” — Mary McGrory, The Washington Post, March 17, 2002

What book are we reading and where can I get it?

Dream Country by Shannon Gibney

“The heartbreaking story of five generations of young people from a single African-and-American family pursuing an elusive dream of freedom.” (from publisher’s website)

Access the book in the library, win a copy, or purchase one:

Dream Country by Shannon Gibney
How do I participate?
  • Read the book
  • Come to an event
  • Plan your own event/discussion/response to the book
  • Integrate the book into your course
  • Learn more about the often untold history behind Dream Country, discover readalikes and more on our Dream Country One Read Guide
Shannon Gibney
2018-2019 Event Series

Join us for any of these events, and see what events we've already had.

Tuesday, Feb 12

12-1pm

Lunchtime Discussion of Dream Country

Led by Louise Edwards-Simpson & Rachel Neiwert, Professors of History

Faculty Study, Library 123

Tuesday, Dec 11

12-1pm

Lunchtime Discussion of Dream Country

Led by Susan Bosher, Professor of English/Director of ESL

Faculty Study, Library 123

Thurs, Nov 15

6-9pm

Noor Al-Qamar: Back to Basics

Ballroom, 3rd Floor CdC

Wednesday, November 7

7-8:30pm

"How Personal, National, and Global Narratives Can Shape Culture, Policy & Power"

A Core Convocation featuring Shannon Gibney, author of Dream Country

Jeanne d'arc Auditorium

St. Catherine University

Tuesday, Nov 6

11:45-1:15pm

Digital Storytelling & the Immigrant/Refugee Experience

Library 128

Friday, Nov 2

12-1:30pm

Remaking Indigenous Music in Ecuador

A Center for Women Bag Lunch Discussion

Abigail Quigley McCarthy Center for Women, CdC 230

Monday, Oct 29

4:30-6pm

Voters Wake Up! The Future is Voting

A Cornbread & Chili Night Event

Student Organization Center, 2nd floor CdC

Friday, October 12

12-1:30pm

Braiding Indigenous Feminist Characters in Fiction

Center for Women, CdC 230

Thursday, October 4

7pm

Compassion & the Suffering of God: Myser Lecture with M. Shawn Copeland, PhD

The O'Shaughnessy Auditorium

Wednesday, September 12

6:30-8pm

Book Launch Event

You are cordially invited to the launch of Shannon Gibney's new novel Dream Country. The event will include a reading, discussion, and Q & A. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

St. Catherine University Recital Hall

Friday, September 21

12-1:30pm

Family Matters: A Discussion of Drum Beats, Heart Beats with Author, Maria Nhambu

Abigail Quigley McCarthy Center for Women, CdC 230

Thursday, August 16

1-4pm

Summer Reading Group

Come discuss the book with other St. Kate’s faculty/staff

Faculty Study, Library 123

Thursday, July 19

11:30am-1:30pm

Summer Reading Group

Come discuss the book with other St. Kate’s faculty/staff

Faculty Study, Library 123

Check back as more events are added or sign up to receive email notifications of the events by emailing Amy Mars (anmars@stkate.edu) or Anne Beschnett (ambeschnett@stkate.edu).