09/21/2026
TONIGHT! What does it mean to become part of the United States, and what might we gain, lose, or change along the way?
Join us for a two-part series inspired by You Sound Like a White Girl by Julissa Arce. In Part 1, we'll gather for a thoughtful community conversation exploring the book's themes of assimilation, identity, and belonging. In Part 2, participants will create an accordion memory book that reflects on the stories, memories, and experiences discussed during the conversation.
Through history, legal cases, personal experiences, and cultural commentary, Arce examines the pressures of assimilation and challenges the idea that becoming closer to whiteness is the path to belonging in the United States. Together, we'll explore what assimilation can make possible, as well as what may be lost or transformed in the process. We'll reflect on language, names, traditions, food, family stories, cultural practices, and connections to our communities and ancestral histories. We'll also consider how these questions resonate with our experiences of growing up and living in New York City.
What have we gained by adapting to life in the United States? What have we given up? What has changed, and what remains?
Whether you've read the entire book or are simply curious about the topic, you're welcome to participate. Selected excerpts and discussion materials will be provided.
Space is limited to 10 participants to help create an engaging and meaningful conversation where everyone has a chance to be heard.
RSVP Here: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/crafting-conversations-library-for-arts-culture-20260921-0600pm
*Registration is required. Please note that registering for Part 1 automatically enrolls you in both parts of the series.
