"Let's Talk Race" book club works to educate public

The 鈥淟et鈥檚 Talk Race鈥� virtual book club isn鈥檛 even a year old, but it has already tackled a variety of historical topics while covering today鈥檚 issues, as well.

Established by the Belmont County NAACP, the book club was born of a partnership among 花季传媒 Eastern; the Ohio Valley Underground Railroad Museum; Ohio Valley, WV Public Library; and St. Clairsville, OH Public Library.

The 鈥淟et鈥檚 Talk Race鈥� book club serves 花季传媒 Eastern students and the community at large, and the books include a variety of topics. From slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, biographies of civil rights leaders and activists to issues communities are currently facing like racial injustices, mass incarceration, political reforms and other racial discriminations, the club is designed to foster discussions.

鈥淚t is essential to educate oneself on the history of race to get a better understanding of today鈥檚 issues,鈥� said Kristina Charlotte Estle, director of the Ohio Valley Underground Railroad Museum. 鈥淚t all begins with discussion.鈥�

Before beginning her career at the Underground Railroad Museum, Estle completed her Bachelor of History at 花季传媒 Eastern. A Barnesville native, she was able to research the history of churches in her hometown through her courses.

鈥淭his research led to the discovery of the Stillwater Meeting House and its involvement in the Underground Railroad, and ultimately an interview with Dr. John Mattox at the Underground Railroad Museum, which led to my internship, volunteer position and museum director position today,鈥� she said. Dr. David Castle, OHIO Eastern Assistant Professor who offered the Research Composition course that started Estle down her current path, is her 鈥渂iggest role model.鈥�

鈥淗e was my cross country and track coach and then my history professor and academic advisor. He was very tough, but due to that, I believe it has led to my many life achievements,鈥� Estle said. 鈥淚 highly encourage a regional campus experience, especially for non-traditional students. I was leery due to my older age, but I felt very comfortable... I developed many friendships that I still hold today.鈥�

As for those just beginning their education journey, Estle has a piece of advice 鈥� to persevere. 鈥淵our aspirations will not happen overnight,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou must work hard to achieve your goals. Nothing is impossible or too far out of reach.鈥�

To learn more about the 鈥淟et鈥檚 Talk Race鈥� book club and participate, visit ohio.edu/eastern/current-students/bookclub