Monday, October 12, 2020

9:30 – 10:30                                      LITERARY PURSUITS                                          on Zoom

A Visit with a Restless Writer

Speaker: Alison McGhee, Author, Teacher of Creative Writing

McGhee describes herself as a restless writer because she writes in a variety of categories—adult novels, young adult and middle-grade novels, children’s chapter books, and adult and children’s picture books. She has won four Minnesota Book Awards: two awards for adult novels, one award for a young adult book, and one award for a picture book. McGhee teaches creative writing on her own and at Vermont College, Metropolitan State University, and through Hamline University’s MFA Program. Today she will discuss her most recent adult novel: The Opposite of Fate.

11:00 – 12:00                                        EDUCATION                                                  on Zoom

Overcoming Institutional Racism

Speaker: Michael L. Walker, Director of Black Male Student Achievement
in the Minneapolis Public Schools

Given the disparities between the district’s Black and white learners in everything from reading to discipline, Walker’s urgent mission is to celebrate his students’ accomplishments while pushing schools to serve them
better. He will discuss how to overcome the gaps among families, communities, and schools.

12:00 noon                                 ANNOUNCEMENTS and BUSINESS MEETING

1:15 – 2:15                                                        FAIR PLAY                                                 on Zoom

Conviction Laws and the Rights of Ex-Felons

Speaker: Robert J. Tennessen, Attorney, Former Minnesota State Senator

There are collateral consequences of conviction laws which prevent former prisoners from supporting themselves and their families. These laws lead to recidivism and hurt the economy. Reform is proposed by the National Conference of
Commissioners on Uniform State Laws.