Q&A Book Discussion with Michelle Alexander

In her book, The New Jim Crow, author Michelle Alexander writes that “we have not ended (the) racial caste (system) in America; we have merely redesigned it.”  Ms. Alexander argues that policies of racial inequality have been used over and over again in different forms in the past, and continue today through the criminal justice system which targets African American males.

The Jim Crow Laws were a system of rules, laws, and policies of legal segregation. And although they have been abolished, Ms. Alexander argues that the current legal system is another form of segregation.

A recorded Q & A session, recently held with Michelle Alexander, was the topic of a group discussion at the Memorial Nottingham Library, on January 5th. During the recording, Ms. Alexander said that she wrote the book “as a call to action.” The current justice system is a form of racial control, it is a “manifestation of a larger system,” she said. It is a “loophole.” 

“We are living in a world of change…We are living in a different time…And democracy needs to be changed,” Alexander said. “With men incarcerated, the right to vote is taken away from them.” "And everyone should have the right to vote."

During the discussion, members of the audience, (including educational and legal professionals), were encouraged to interject with their own thoughts. “This is an open discussion,” said librarian, Alfonzo Daniels. “We are here to think of ideas to implement.”

“Help youths rethink their lives, and hold officials, and parents responsible,” were some of the suggestions.

Audience members also revealed that the legal system is a major source of revenue.  It is “big business.” 3rd graders are being evaluated on their grades, which are used to “calculate how many facilities will be needed in the future.”  They are calculating and figuring out their future.

Mr. Daniels suggested that the Q&A with Ms. Alexander be taken to the schools to educate the youths, about what is going on.

Members of the audience, were also "open to meet again," to continue the discussion. For further information or to schedule a future discussion, please call librarian, Alfonzo Daniels, at the Memorial Nottingham Library: 216-623-7039.  The library is located at 17109 Lakeshore Blvd.

Author Michelle Alexander is an OSU Associate Professor, with a law degree from Stanford University, who specializes in race and gender discrimination. She said all people should be “guaranteed to be treated with dignity.”  And that she supports “a system of justice and dignity for all…”

Jeanne Coppola is a resident of the Collinwood neighborhood, and is interested in art and writing. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Cleveland State University, where she was a writer for the multi-cultural student magazine, "The Vindicator."

Jeanne is pleased to be able to write for "The Collinwood Observer," and offer her comments and opinions for this new and exciting community newspaper.