Big D Reads: The Accommodation
Dallas Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
DPL partnered with Big D Reads’ 2022 initiative to bring The Accommodation: The Politics of Race in an American City, to the public for the first time since it was dropped from publication in 1987. Author Jim Schutze, tells the mid-century history of Dallas, centered on the civic response to the bombing of Black residents' homes in South Dallas.
Challenge/Opportunity
The goal sought by a city-wide read of the long-suppressed title — recently reissued by Deep Vellum Publishing — was to advance the understanding of Dallas’ history among students, young professionals, leaders, and residents, while encouraging candid community conversations on how we can create a more equitable future for our city.
Key Elements of Innovation
DPL's J Erik Jonsson Central Library hosted the kick-off event in September. This was followed by over 40 events around the city, including book clubs, roundtables, panel discussions and speaking events. Supported by 50+ community partners, Big D Reads put 30,000 complimentary paperback copies into the hands of community members. DPL distributed 15,000 copies, and our digital media partner Hoopla added The Accommodation to their collection.
Achieved Outcomes
One achieved outcome is shining a light on Dallas' dark history. Also achieved is understanding the ways in which our city continues to oppress: banks' refusal to lend in minority communities, civic ignoring of infrastructure needs, continued tolerance of economic injustice. The significance of this achievement lies in the public reckoning that must begin now in earnest.