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Councilmember Jawando to be joined by Author of Antiracist Baby and How to be Antiracist, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi on a special virtual storytime for young children, on Thursday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m.

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 14, 2020

A kid’s town hall and parent discussion in collaboration with Montgomery County Public Schools will follow the virtual storytime

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 14, 2020—On Thursday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m., Councilmember Will Jawando will be joined by special guest Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, author of Antiracist Baby and How to be Antiracist, for his daily virtual storytime for children affected by the Covid-19-related closure of schools, public libraries and other services. The virtual storytime will be followed by a kid's town hall and parent discussion in collaboration with Montgomery County Public Schools.

Parents and children are able to join Councilmember Jawando’s virtual story readings on Councilmember Jawando’s Facebook page and on his YouTube page. The readings are streamed live on both pages.

“Dr. Kendi is one of our nation's preeminent scholars and his perspectives on how to discuss the intractable problem of racism with children is invaluable,” said Councilmember Jawando, who serves as the lead for libraries on the Council’s Education and Culture Committee. “Children begin to internalize narratives about race at the age of two. They understand more than we sometimes acknowledge, so it is important to have these conversations directly with them.”

All Montgomery County Public Schools are closed indefinitely as Montgomery County and the State of Maryland continue to respond to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

All public libraries remain closed until further notice, but they encourage all residents to take advantage of their digital resources. County recreational facilities remain closed, and outdoor camps and youth sports are currently allowed with some restrictions.

Montgomery County is currently in Phase Two of its gradual, evidence-based reopening. For a clear picture of what activities, services and businesses are open and available during each phase of the County’s reopening, you can visit the Reopening Montgomery website.

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Release ID: 20-296
Media Contact: Cecily Thorne 240-777-7972