“If you’re here, you’re here with intention”: Why this Seattleite opened a social justice library
Seattleites can get passionate about the issues that matter most to them. But sometimes people can feel like they don’t have the space to talk about certain issues — like housing, homelessness, police brutality and more — openly.
Edwin Lindo, a University of Washington law school professor and lifelong activist, wants to change that. Last Saturday, he opened Estelita’s Library in Beacon Hill. The small space is home to hundreds of books focusing on social justice issues. Edwin hopes the library will serve as a refuge and resource for locals wanting to talk about challenging topics.
“In this space, I think people know if you’re here, you’re here [with] intention,” he said.
Edwin is so dedicated to creating a space for conversation that Estelita’s doesn’t even have WiFi so people can stay engaged without getting distracted. In the future, Edwin said he hopes the library can host lectures, history lessons, poetry performances, and a book club. …
What does a successful conversation around a social justice issue look like to you?
It’s having the grace to say, “I’m not here to try to disprove you.” … I think there is a huge burden on folks of color, particularly women, queer, and trans folks of color to constantly have to verbalize and explain what their life is like so that people can try to understand the consequences of oppression.
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