PLS Reads was designed to engage all members of the community in a discussion around issues of racism. Shortly before the event, one PLS community experienced significant racist vandalism, shocking residents and leaving them looking for ways to respond to the racism and violence in their midst. At the same time, the 1,400 inmates of a local state penitentiary have been excluded from any community conversations in the past but have a different perspective on race and policing than many other members of the community.

Through a partnership with the mayor, human rights commission and other community groups, a series of “Beloved Community” events encouraged building a more diverse and welcoming community. Just days after racist vandalism in the city, a Beloved Community event framed the discussion around the PLS Reads books The Hate U Give and Small Great Things. At the prison, PLS Reads was integrated into an ongoing book discussion series. Free copies of the book were distributed, and inmates were brought together for a discussion.

PLS Reads sparked lively discussion across communities. Attendees of the Beloved Community event noted that it was well-timed following racist events and noted that “Any time we can hear about real life experience and expertise on how to live together it is good.” At the prison, inmates shared nuanced reactions based on their own experiences. Reflecting on the discussion, inmates commented: “It has expanded my awareness of differing opinions” and “I have learned to think from another person’s point of view.”