To celebrate the release of “A Little Devil in America: Notes in Praise of Black Performance,” New York Times bestselling author Hanif Abdurraqib joined artist Dionne Custer Edwards, composer Dr. Mark Lomax II, and musician Paisha Thomas on Zoom to discuss influential performances by Black artists in American history. Each speaker shared a personally meaningful video, book, or song, followed by a Q&A.

Washington Post journalist Laura Meckler visited the Bexley Public Library to discuss her book “Dream Town: Shaker Heights and the Quest for Racial Equity.” She explored whether well-intentioned communities can achieve true racial integration, sharing Shaker Heights’ successes and challenges as a potential model for communities like Bexley, in conversation with Kumi Walker.