Common Reading discussed at First Global Neighborhood Dinner

The Global Neighborhood Association hosted its first House Dinner of the year in Lakeside on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Around one hundred participants came to enjoy dinner and conversation about Elon’s 2019-20 Common Reading, “Futureface” by Alex Wagner.  After attendees were treated to a great dinner of street tacos, grilled corn (elote), and a truly delicious tres leches cake, everyone discussed the book.

There were no set questions for this month’s discussion. Faculty and staff were encouraged to think about the text from their own backgrounds and disciplinary perspectives, but the conversations were totally open.

Some tables talked about the science and societal impacts of DNA testing. Some groups talked about issues of identity. Other conversations centered on immigration and what it means to be an American. And one table came up with pitches for a television show based on the book!

Upcoming events include the Common Reading lecture by author Alex Wagner. The lecture will be Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Alumni Gym. The Global Neighborhood will host the next installment of its film series on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. in Global Commons 103. The film will be Blackkklansman, based on the true story of an African American cop who goes undercover to infiltrate the KKK. The film is directed by Spike Lee and stars John David Washington and Adam Driver. Damion Blake, assistant professor of political science and policy studies and Faculty Fellow for Race, Ethnicity & Diversity Education, will lead a discussion after the film.