The Youth Shelter Program An Organization That Offers Young Men A Second Chance Teams Up With Michael Eric Dyson For A Discussion About MLK, Race And Reckoning

MOUNT VERNON, NY — The Youth Shelter Program of Westchester will host its second virtual event to feature a high-profile author, Michael Eric Dyson. The Youth Shelter provides a home-like alternative to jail for young men awaiting disposition of various criminal charges. While in their care, the staff of the shelter also provides those in their charge experiences that enable them to see more of what life has to offer. At this virtual discussion, Dyson will be joined by the young men – resident scholars, who will have read his new book, Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America. The event is free and takes place on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 6pm and will be held via Zoom. Registrants can purchase a signed copy of Dyson’s book. Register here or on the shelter’s website at www.ysow.org.

Dyson’s book takes the form of letters addressed to many now-familiar names and for whom death came violently, either at the hands of mobs or law enforcement officers. How do we hold each other accountable as we continue the work to achieve racial equity? In his “I Have a Dream” speech, Dr. King wrote, “Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice.” 

This discussion will explore the question of how to do that. In its review, The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote, “Perhaps the most crucial thing about this book, though, is that it’s not so much for Black readers as it is for White ones who metaphorically started school late last May. Respectful discussion, soul-searching, urgency: if that’s what you need, “Long Time Coming” delivers.”

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is a Georgetown University sociology professor, a New York Times contributing opinion writer, and a contributing editor of The New Republic, and of ESPN’s The Undefeated website. In addition to being an academic and author, Dr. Dyson is sought after as a commentator on broadcast and cable news shows. He is also an ordained Baptist minister, having received his Ph. D from Princeton. He has written several books on topics ranging from Malcolm X and MLK and music (Illmatic by Nas) to Hurricane Katrina. 

Dr. Tracie E. Alexander will facilitate the Q&A. Visit www.ysow.org for more information about, and to make a contribution to the Youth Shelter.