Virtual Book Discussion of “America for Americans” by Erika Lee

Due to security concerns, you will only receive meeting credentials pending successful completion of our pre-event survey. You will not automatically receive credentials to this event.

What should a participant expect?

The Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation's Reading for Understanding monthly virtual book discussions are free and have two requirements: Read the book and make time for the discussion.

Donations are not required but are welcome.

Participants should expect a pre-event survey to access the meeting credentials and a disucssion presentation preceding the event. All book discussions are two hours and may use Zoom breakout rooms to create small virtual discussion groups. Virtual doors open at 6:45pm, unless otherwise noted. All times are Eastern United States.

Why did we select this book?

"Fundamental to understanding the history of immigration in the United States, Erika Lee illustrates the integral role xenophobia plays in American systems (i.e., laws, policies, education, culture, politics, etc.)." – Alicia and Sabrina, Reading for Understanding Workgroup

“[The] United States is known as a nation of immigrants. But it is also a nation of xenophobia. In America for Americans, Erika Lee shows that an irrational fear, hatred, and hostility toward immigrants has been a defining feature of our nation from the colonial era to the Trump era. Benjamin Franklin ridiculed Germans for their "strange and foreign ways." Americans' anxiety over Irish Catholics turned xenophobia into a national political movement. Chinese immigrants were excluded, Japanese incarcerated, and Mexicans deported. Today, Americans fear Muslims, Latinos, and the so-called browning of America. Forcing us to confront this history, Lee explains how xenophobia works, why it has endured, and how it threatens America. Now updated with an epilogue reflecting on how the coronavirus pandemic turbocharged xenophobia, America for Americans is an urgent spur to action for any concerned citizen.” Source: https://bookshop.org/books/america-for-americans-a-history-of-xenophobia-in-the-united-states/9781541672611

Purchase the book from Uncle Bobbies, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Each month we are celebrating a black-owned bookstore. Please consider supporting Uncle Bobbies, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, https://www.unclebobbies.com

Purchase: https://bookshop.org/books/america-for-americans-a-history-of-xenophobia-in-the-united-states/9781541672611

Please purchase and read/listen to “America for Americans: A History of Xenophobia in the United States” by Erika Lee before our virtual meeting on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, 7-9pm EDT (UTC-4).

Reading for Understanding

Monthly virtual book discussions hosted by the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation

As a learning organization, the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation seeks to provide opportunities to promote understanding and empathy. Book discussions provide participants with a shared experience and an opportunity to engage with others.

The Center’s Reading for Understanding monthly book discussions are free and have two requirements: Read the book and make time for the discussion.

Support black-owned bookstores.

Where and how you choose to spend money has power. Visit https://aalbc.com/bookstores/list.php to find a store in your area or shop directly from https://aalbc.com.

“African American Literature Book Club, AALBC.com is the oldest, largest, and most frequently visited web site dedicated to books by, or about, people of African descent. Started in 1997, AALBC.com is a widely recognized source of information about Black authors.” Source: AALBC.com

Participants are encouraged to continue learning through the Center’s Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series.