Illinois Libraries Present Words, Power, and Community: Dr. Eve L. Ewing

Engage in an important and thoughtful conversation with Dr. Eve L. Ewing, acclaimed author, educator, poet, and cultural organizer whose work explores race, education, identity, and community. Through writing that blends scholarship, storytelling, and activism, Dr. Ewing has become one of today’s most influential public voices on culture and education.
Explore the power of language and storytelling as Dr. Ewing reflects on how words shape public memory, challenge systems of inequality, and help communities imagine new futures. From classrooms and libraries to poetry and popular culture, this conversation will consider the many ways stories influence how we see ourselves and one another.
Perfect for librarians, educators, students, writers, and readers alike, this event invites attendees to think critically about the role of literature, learning, and community in times of change. Whether you are familiar with Dr. Ewing’s work or discovering it for the first time, this conversation promises insight, inspiration, and meaningful discussion.
Moderator
Brandis Friedman will moderate the event. Friedman is a writer and anchor for WTTW’s Chicago Tonight and Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, and also serves as a champion for libraries.
This event will occur via Zoom on Thursday, November 12, @ 7 PM. The event is free on Zoom and open to the public, but registration is required.
Patron FAQ
What platform is used for the live event and registration?
- Events take place on Zoom.
Will this program be recorded?
- Yes. Event recordings will be accessible to registered attendees for a limited time, typically up to 30 days, in accordance with contractual agreements with the speakers.
Where will the recording be posted?
- On YouTube. The link will be emailed to Zoom registrants (those who attended the live event and those who did not). The email will come directly from Zoom and will include the final date to view the recording.
When will the recording be posted?
- Within 5 days of the program (pending actual post-production time). It will be viewable typically up to 30 days from the post date.
Can I share the video with my patrons after the event?
- Yes, the event recording links will be made available via the newsletter and also sent directly to each registrant. Member libraries may share these with their library community only.
Will the event be captioned?
- Yes
Who is the audience for this event?
- Adults
What if someone needs accommodations?
- American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Closed Captioning are provided for all events by default—no special request needed.
Are attendees not allowed to record the event or use AI-based tools (such as notetakers, summarizers, or transcription services)?
- Attendees are NOT permitted to use AI-based tools (such as notetakers, summarizers, or transcription services) or to record the event in any form. If an ILA-ILP moderator observes the use of these tools during a session, attendees will be immediately removed from the event. Repeated violations will result in a temporary or permanent ban from attending future events.
What if a patron can’t find/says they never received their Zoom registration link?
- After completing registration on Zoom, patrons need to allow up to two business days for the registration to be approved. Once approved, registrants will receive an email confirmation with the link to join the event. We recommend that patrons check their spam/junk mail folders if they do not receive a confirmation within two business days
- The event link is emailed from Zoom with the subject heading related to the event they are registering for.
