Driving through the Avondale area this past weekend, a cluster of signs along the street piqued my interest. It was for a new school and I hastily entered the name into Google on my phone so that I could explore it further when I wasn’t driving. The name of the school is Magic City Acceptance Academy.
Magic City Acceptance Academy is a new Alabama Charter School that states that their mission is to provide both quality education and an affirming school experience to LGBTQ students and their allies. It’s the first of its type in the South and one of the first programs in the country to promote this type of inclusive and supportive educational environment. More so, like the Rehabilitation Act and IDEA has done for students with different abilities, this school supplies what should be tenet for everyone: a free, public, and quality education in an environment that supports the student so that they can progress. Magic City Acceptance Academy is an extension of the Magic City Acceptance Center and are slated to open this Fall, 2021.
Want to learn more about different social justice issues?
The library has books, media, and virtual programming on a variety of social issues.
Public libraries in the United States have long been champions in providing access to information for all patrons as a fundamental right. We acknowledge that in order to maintain an environment of inclusion for everyone, regardless of age, gender, origin, or views, we must engage in ongoing education and discussions that revolve around the issues that are important in our communities. Below are a few resources to aid anyone on their journey in supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.
Virtual Book Clubs for Adults
The Virtual Social Justice Book Club. The pick for February is Waste, by Alabama author Catherine Coleman Flowers. Get the book here for the February 11th discussion.
Better Than Therapy Virtual Book Club. February’s pick can be used for the Beanstack February challenge! The book is Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones and the discussion is Wednesday, February 24th. Get the book here.
The Black History Month Reading Challenge. In February, celebrate Black History month on Beanstack. Register for the challenge, then read, listen, and complete various activities, not only to earn badges, but also to engage with our Black community and its history.
For more books and videos, click on an issue below to explore the library catalog.