The City of East Lansing and Michigan State University announce the 2015 One Book, One Community (OBOC) program, featuring the works of two extraordinary champions of human rights.
"Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
Bryan Stevenson chronicles his life’s work in his new, inspiring book, “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption.” As a young Harvard-educated attorney, he chose to fight for the rights of wrongly incarcerated inmates, eventually saving over 115 men from death row. Stevenson is the founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) in Montgomery, Ala., which provides pro bono defense for inmates whose cases show bias, judicial neglect and incompetence. He is also a professor of clinical law at New York University School of Law.
"The House I Live In" by Eugene Jarecki
Filmmaker Eugene Jarecki co-wrote and directed the 2012 award-winning documentary, “The House I Live In,” focusing his lens on the tragic and costly impact of the U.S. war on drugs and human rights ramifications. Through the testimony of police officers, inmates and judges, Jarecki demonstrates that taxpayer’s massive financial investment in fighting drugs has primarily incarcerated poor people and failed to end drug use.
2015 Calendar of Events
KICK-OFF: An Evening with Bryan Stevenson
Sunday, Aug. 30; 7 p.m.
East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road
Meet author Bryan Stevenson as he discusses his experiences, talks about “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” and signs books. Admission is first come, first serve. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
* A recording of the kickoff will be made available to borrow at the East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, beginning Friday, Sept. 4.
MSU Academic Welcome featuring Bryan Stevenson
Monday, Aug. 31; 9 a.m.
Jack Breslin Student Events Center, MSU Campus
Bryan Stevenson will address incoming MSU freshman class at the MSU Academic Welcome. Open to the general public.
An Evening with Director Eugene Jarecki
Wednesday, Sept. 16; 7:30 p.m.
Wharton Center for Performing Arts, MSU Campus
Filmmaker Eugene Jarecki will speak about his film documentary "The House I Live In.". This program is jointly sponsored by OBOC and the World View Lecture Series. The event is ticketed. Tickets are available @ www.whartoncenter.com ($20 general public, FREE students/staff).
Other OBOC Events
Books on Tap
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 6:30 p.m.
Jimmy's Pub, 16804 Chandler Road
Discuss "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” as part of a book group discussion in a laid back atmosphere. The East Lansing Public Library's Books on Tap book group discussion combines good books, food, drink and conversation.
60/50 & East Lansing Public Library Film Series: "The House I Live In" (NR)
Wednesday, Aug. 26; 7 p.m.
East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road
From the dealer to the narcotics officer, the inmate to the federal judge, the documentary examines the tragic and costly impact of the U.S. war on drugs and human rights ramifications.
Writing Workshop with MSU Professor Anita Skeen
Tuesdays, Sept. 8, 15, 22; 4-6 p.m. & 7-9 p.m.
East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road
This engaging writing workshop entitled "With Mercy and Justice for All" will include three weeks of creative writing and discussion, followed by a participant reading on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. at (SCENE) Metrospace, 110 Charles St. Registration is closed.
Project 60/50 & East Lansing Public Library Present Dr. Daniel Manville
Wednesday, Sept 9, 7 p.m.
East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road
Dr. Manville spent nearly four years in prison in the 1970s and is currently an Associate Clinical Professor at the MSU College of Law. He has litigated prisoners' rights cases for the past 25 years and works with students in developing litigation of prisoners’ rights cases in federal courts. He is also the director MSU Civil Rights Clinic. He will speak about his experiences and hold a Q&A session.
Project 60/50 & East Lansing Public Library Film Series: "The House I Live In" (NR)
Monday, Sept. 14; 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road
From the dealer to the narcotics officer, the inmate to the federal judge, the documentary examines the tragic and costly impact of the U.S. war on drugs and human rights ramifications.
Forum on Mandatory Minimums: Constitution Day 2015
Thursday, September 17; 7 p.m.
Broad Art Museum 547 East Circle Drive, MSU Campus
Come hear a panel discussion on mandatory minimums with Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas (retired); Professor Christopher E. Smith, College of Social Science School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University; Professor Barb O’Brien Associate Dean for Research, Associate Professor of Law Michigan State University; Leroy T. Soles, Attorney for Federal Defender Office; and moderator Judge Hugh B. Clarke Jr., 54-A District Court Judge. Enjoy coffee and cookies.
Project 60/50 & East Lansing Public Library Film Series: "Dead Man Walking" (R)
Monday, Sept. 21; 6:30 p.m.
East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road
A nun, while comforting a convicted killer on death row, empathizes with both the killer and his victim's families.
East Lansing Public Library hosts "Just Mercy" Book Discussion
Wednesday, Sept 23; 7 p.m.
East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road
Participate in a book discussion with fellow community members.
Writing Workshop Participant Reading
Tuesday, Sept. 29; 7 p.m.
(SCENE) Metrospace, 110 Charles St.
A participant reading will take place as part of the three-part Writing Workshop with MSU Professor Anita Skeen. The public is welcome to attend.
Project 60/50 & East Lansing Public Library Present "Forensic Science in the Legal System" with Dr. Foran
Wednesday, Sept. 30; 7 p.m.
East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road
Forensic science has captured the imaginations of generations of television viewers, beginning with ‘Quincy M.E.’ in the 1970s and continuing to today’s multiple investigative dramas and documentaries. Dr. David Foran directs the Forensic Science Program and Forensic Biology Laboratory at MSU. He will present on how forensic science is, should be, and should not be used in our legal system.