Librarians at the Irondequoit Public Library say they are in a unique position to help create a more inclusive community, and promoting diversity and understanding can start at a young age. That's why they've created the United Stories of America program. It's a pre-school storytime series with a social justice theme. Presenters include a female illusionist talking about gender identity, a disability rights activist, and more.
We talk about the program and hear stories from two of its presenters. In studio:
- Matt Krueger, teen services librarian at the Irondequoit Public Library
- Amy Holland, children’s librarian at the Irondequoit Public Library
- Ed Popil ("Mrs. Kasha Davis"), local drag performer and performer from RuPaul's Drag Race, Season 7
- Ericka Jones, systems advocate at the Center for Disability Rights
This conversation is part of WXXI's Inclusion Desk, spotlighting issues related to disabilities. The WXXI Inclusion Desk is part of Move to Include, a partnership to encourage a thoughtful discussion about issues of inclusion and the differently-abled.