One Book, One Richmond programs complement reading 'Evicted'

October 3, 2016

University of Richmond’s One Book, One Richmond program aims to engage the entire campus and greater community on issues of social inequality. The 2016-17 book selection, “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City” by Matthew Desmond, explores the effects of the high housing costs on poor Americans.

“The committee found ‘Evicted’ to be a powerful and compelling way to discuss housing, home and community through the lens of personal stories of tenants and landlords,” said Adrienne Piazza, program manager, Bonner Center for Civic Engagement (CCE).

Using the selected book as a backdrop, the One Book, One Richmond committee coordinates programming with partners across the university’s five academic schools and with community organizations. The 2016-17 events include:

Oct. 5: Poverty Simulation, 5-7 p.m. in Tyler Haynes Commons, Alice Haynes Room

The Poverty Simulation is a hands-on experience designed to help participants understand the challenges lower-income families face.

Nov. 18: “Housing in Richmond: Affordable for Whom?” 12:30 p.m. in Tyler Haynes Commons, Room 305

Laura Lafayette, executive director, Partnership for Housing Affordability, and Greta Harris, president and CEO, Better Housing Coalition, will moderate this CCE brown bag discussion.

Dec. 8: “Evicted” Book Club Discussion, 12 p.m. in Boatwright Memorial Library, Seminar Room 1

Lucretia McCulley, head of scholarly communications, Boatwright Library, and Amy Howard, assistant vice president of community initiatives, CCE, will facilitate this book discussion.

Feb 1: Edward C. and Mary S. Peple Library Lecture, 5 p.m. in Canon Memorial Chapel

The keynote event of One Book, One Richmond, “Evicted” author Matthew Desmond will visit campus and lecture on his book and issues of affordable housing. A reception and book signing will follow the event in Gottwald Atrium.

Events are free and open to all members of the Richmond community.

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