Read-through and discussion of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s novel

Western Herald - news









A read-through of a chapter from retired NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s novel is coming to Western Michigan University’s campus.











The event, led by Kalamazoo City Commissioner Erin Knott and political science professor Dr. Paul Clements, is open to the public and will focus around the first chapter of Abdul-Jabbar’s novel, Writing’s On the Wall: Searching for a New Equality Beyond Black and White. After reading through the chapter, Knott and Clements will lead the group in a discussion. The reading and talk will take place Monday, March 13th in the Heritage Hall, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.








The head of the library’s technical services, Miranda Howard, worked extensively on making the event happen. In conjunction with the Kalamazoo Public Library, Howard helped put together a team to organize it.





“I’m a big believer in the concept of community reads, as I think it will help the general public become more educated” Howard said.





The first chapter of Abdul-Jabbar’s novel is very politically focused. The chapter, entitled “American Politics,” is a detailed look at the political system in the United States. Howard believes attending the event could help anyone who is seeking guidance or is feeling disoriented by the current political climate.





“It will be a very positive experience,” Howard said. “If anyone has a certain opinion about what’s going on right now, they can come and share it.”





Howard clarified that this is not the last of the planned read-through events. According to Howard, the library plans to have an event throughout the month of March for each chapter of the book, which has a total of ten chapters, and an accompanying discussion for each. They have copies available to be checked out by any Western student.





Abdul-Jabbar will visit the Miller Auditorium himself the following day, March 14th, to discuss the book ...


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