History of the Ripple Project:
In 2022-2023 Beyond the Page programs were unified under the common theme of racial equity throughout all Dane County Libraries. Through this program series, we leveraged libraries to engage communities in meaningful reflection and dialogue about race.
In addition to offering free public programming, library staff began participating in ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion training. Library staff and directors throughout Dane County participate in regional equity teams to continue to advance this work and BIPOC and LGBTQ+ staff have been invited to join affinity groups.
In fall 2022, Beyond the Page launched a paid internship program to help diversify the field of librarianship. We aspire to hire four interns each semester, so please reach out if you are interested:
Email Alicia Treviño-Murphy at trevino-murphy [at] dcls.info (subject: Volunteering%20at%20Ripple%20Project%20events) (trevino-murphy[at]dcls[dot]info) if you'd like to learn more.
Current Ripple Project Programs
In 2023, Beyond the Page funded Sun Prairie Public Library and Marshall Community Library to partner with consultant Araceli Esparza on an initiative to strengthen outreach, access and library services to the Latino community. Follow us on social or subscribe to our newsletter to hear updates about this exciting work!
Ripple Project 2022 Programs
Contemporary Native Art, Issues and (Mis-)Understandings
Karen Ann Hoffman, Haudenosaunee Raised Beadwork Artist of the Oneida Nation
Program Description:
Join National Heritage Fellow Karen Ann Hoffman of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin for a conversation about Contemporary Native Art, Issues and (Mis-)Understandings. Warning—some topics may be triggering for some attendees.
Our gathering will begin with community building over a sampling of traditional Oneida food and tea prepared by Karen Ann. As we get to know each other, Karen Ann will share a presentation of her art, songs and stories focusing on a 2 way discussion comparing the ways Western and Native cultures understand the role of Art. The broad ranging conversation will include an in-depth discussion of her multi-year efforts to raise awareness about the Mass Native burial site on the grounds of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. We’ll also touch on the ongoing tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and the discovery of children’s graves at Residential Schools. Karen Ann will also encourage attendees to “Ask an Indian Anything!” as a way of openly and gently addressing questions and concerns and (mis-)understandings they may have.
Presenter Bio:
Karen Ann Hoffman has been beading peace, beauty, and meaning through her Haudenosaunee Raised Beadwork since the 1990s. Haudenosaunee Raised Beadwork (also known as Iroquois Raised Beadwork) is unique to the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, characterized by lines of beads that arch above the textile surface for a three-dimensional effect, typically sewn onto velvet. Hoffman is a respected national leader in this art, known for reimagining existing forms to expand their significance for today and the future.
Hoffman pursues her twin goals of strengthening Haudenosaunee Raised Beadwork within the Haudenosaunee community and gaining recognition for it more widely. She produces two to three large pieces each year, with some in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, the Field Museum, the Iroquois Indian Museum, and the Oneida Nation Museum. She teaches and hosts a beading circle at her home. She is a co-organizer of the annual International Iroquois Beadwork Conference and has curated multiple exhibits of work by Native artists.
Middleton Public Library
Madison Public Library - Sequoya Branch
E.D. Locke Public Library (McFarland)
Black Earth Public Library
Marshall Community Library
Think Like A DJ: Varsity Program
Martinez "Pops" and Harlem "Son" White
Program Description:
The THINK LIKE A DJ: Varsity Program uses the four core elements of Hip-Hop culture (DJing, MCing, Breakdancing, Graffiti) to teach financial literacy, artistic independence and entrepreneurship to youth.
In one hour kids will be inspired and empowered to use their artistic gifts to achieve their dreams.
Join us for DJing, a rap game and a graffiti contest! Contest winners will earn prizes and all participants will receive a copy of the Think Like A DJ coloring book by Martinez "Pops" and Harlem "Son" White.
Dream Bus at the Kennedy Heights Community Center (Part of the Kennedy Heights Block Party)
July 15th, Friday, 5-6pm
Dream Bus at Allied Park (Part of the "Parks Alive~Allied Drive")
July 25th, Monday, 5-6pm
Dream Bus at the Theresa Terrace Neighborhood Center
July 27th, Wednesday, 5-6pm
Speaking with Music
Neng Now
Program Description:
HMong music is the last surviving musical language in the world—it is able to mimic HMong speech by using musical intervals, ornamentation, and chords to mimic linguistic tones, consonants, and vowels—allowing musicians to literally speak with music. However, there have not been many opportunities for this unique trait of HMong music to shine. HMong American refugees first arrived to the United States in 1975, after having supported American CIA forces in Laos during the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, Wisconsin curriculum does not teach this part of American history, underrepresenting the more than 50,000 HMong Americans who currently call Wisconsin Home. Programming that highlights this one-of-a-kind musical ability of the HMong language, gives a spotlight to the diversity within Wisconsin, the beauty of other cultures, and gives the HMong American community an opportunity to realize that we are indeed special, and our culture is worthy of being shared, taught, and preserved.
Presenter Bio:
Neng Now, is a documentarian, scientist, and artist. He is a Harvard graduate, who has worked and traveled to over 25 different countries around the world, and recently produced his first documentary film, “Among Mountains,” in 2021. His work has earned him a Fulbright Independent Research Grant to research Hmong musical linguistics in Laos in 2020, a Community Impact Award from the Hmong National Development Conference in 2019, and has built an online community of over 70,000 followers on social media thus far.
DeForest Public Library
April 19th, 2022 at 6:30-7:30pm
Verona Public Library
Madison Public Library - Lakeview Branch
May 21st, 2022 at 2-3pm
Cambridge Community Library
September 9th, 2022 at 2-3pm
Fitchburg Public Library
Can You Find the Hidden Object? Decoder Puzzle Adventure
Winnie Karanja with Represented Collective
Program Description:
Come along with Nakira and friends on a journey to explore STEM all around us. Our adventure begins with the Decoder Puzzles – piece together the puzzle and put on your Decoder Glasses to uncover the hidden mystery items in each illustrated scene. After completing your Decoder Puzzle and finding all of the hidden objects, join in the fun of making a custom pair of Decoder Glasses to reveal your own secret messages!
Monona Public Library
Oregon Public Library
July 16th, 10-11am
Deforest Public Library
September 27th, 4:30-5:30pm
Stoughton Public Library
September 17th, 10am
The Elusive Muse: Journaling Workshop
Beatriz Badikian-Gartler
Journaling can help you find inspiration, achieve goals, and reduce stress--and these are only a few of the benefits of keeping a journal!
Join us on Thursday, 10/13 at 6:00 p.m. OR on Saturday, 10/15 at 11:00 a.m. as Beatriz Badikian-Gartler presents her Elusive Muse Journaling Workshop and teaches us more about the wonderful world of journaling. (You can choose the Thursday OR the Saturday workshop--it's only necessary to attend one of the sessions.) NOTE: Please bring something to write with and to write on!
Presenter Bio:
Beatriz was born in Buenos Aires but has been a longtime Chicago resident. She earned her doctorate in creative writing from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has been the recipient of numerous awards and grants in the language arts.
Deerfield Public Library
or
Hidden Voices: African American Writers of Resistance
Poet Fabu, Sherry Lucille & Catrina Sparkman
Program Description:
Join three African American Women Writers from Madison as they discuss their poetry, prose, and drama in relation to three African American Writers of Resistance.
Experience literature and discussion that informs and enlightens us in the ways in which we have agitated and advocated for change in our society both past and present.
Middleton Public Library
Alicia Ashman Library (Madison Public Library)
Rosemary Garfoot Public Library (Cross Plains)
Latino Nights @ The Sun Prairie Public Library
Midwest Mujeres: Araceli Esparza
Program Description:
Family Story Time: Telling Our Stories & Resources for Families / Cuentos para Toda la Familia: Noche de Recursos
Wednesday, October 12 6-7:30pm | Miércoles, 12 de Octubre 6-7:30pm
- Latino Resources for the community
- Bilingual Storytime for kids and adults!
- Connect with your neighbors and discover the joys of Sun Prairie Public Library
- Mesa de Recursos
- Cuentos para toda la familia
- Familiarizarte con la biblioteca
- Premios para aquellos que nos acompañen
Women’s Wellness Night, Our Stories of Survival, and Move Your Body with Robbi Domínguez / Noche de Salud para la Mujer: Nuestra historías y Mueva su Cuerpo con Robbi Domínguez!
Wednesday, October 19 6-7:30pm | Miércoles, 19 de Octubre 6-7:30pm
- Join Roots for Change for a meditation program
- Hear Latina Coach Melky's story of surviving cancer
- Move your body with #GymBestie Robbi Domínguez
- Latina Night, women’s night at the Sun Prairie library
- Meditación con Raíces para el Cambio
- Cáncer: Una historia de supervivencia
- Mueva su cuerpo con Robbi Domínguez
Community Altar: Discover the Importance of the Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos: Un Altar para la Comunidad de Sun Prairie!
Wednesday, October 26 6-7:30pm | Miércoles, 26 de Octubre 6-7:30pm
- Everyone is INVITED! Build a community altar!
- Come and eat traditional Day of the Dead bread and Mexican hot chocolate
- Stories & activities for the whole family!
- Cuentos y actividades para toda la familia
- Aprendan como se hace un altar
- Vengan por su pan de muerto y atole!
Presenter bio:
Araceli Esparza is a poet and connector for equity-building campaigns in the nonprofit industry she actively supports diverse leaders in Black and Latina communities. She was born and raised in Madison, WI; her parents were migrant farmworkers from Guanajuato, Mexico, from whom she still gathers her strength. You can read more about her here: www.araceliesparza.com
Painted Man Country Dance
David Hunt
Program Description:
How does popular Country music, with its vivid imagery of small-town life and winding backroads connect to the ongoing struggle for equity occurring in our larger cities and counties? Join Country Swing Dance coach, David Hunt, as he explores how these separate experiences intertwine.
In this unique workshop, David unearths the comments and actions taken by some famous Country music artists who have clearly connected the two ideas together. David looks at how these performers use their platform not only to keep diversity and inclusion alive within their genre of music, but also publicly support efforts to disrupt institutional racism in the post George Floyd era.
The workshop will feature a brief presentation highlighting select performers. The discussion will center empathy and cut through the divisive narratives of the day.
Next, David will lead a 45 minute instructional dance session. Everyone is invited to partner up to learn basic Country Swing Dance steps to the hit songs recorded by the highlighted artist(s). The dance movements are fun and accessible for beginners of all ability levels!
Attire for the Painted Man event is casual and we ask that you please bring low-grip or non rubber soled shoes/boots to the workshop to dance in.
Country Swing is a non-formal social dance style that uses simple steps to allow many beginners to dance together.
Bookmobile (Dane County Library Service)
November 9th 6-7:30pm, Cottage Grove Elementary School Gymnasium
Trace the Line: Community Conversation
Alex Miranda of Bravebird
Program Description:
Bravebird has been on the forefront of diverse and equitable filmmaking since 2018. During the pandemic “pause,” Alex had a vision of a story come to him. This seed of an idea resulted in a COVID-compliant film, Trace the Line, that had the dual purpose of supporting artists who lost their work and reflecting on the shared experience of 2020.
Trace the Line is a feature length film about two young artists in the Midwest, a black man and a white woman, a poet and a painter. It depicts their lives as they try to understand the world that we are in now, especially as it relates to isolation, connection, and race relations.
The filmmakers will show exclusive behind the scenes photos and clips with audience members ahead of the public release of the film. A Q&A discussion will give attendees the opportunity to reflect on how these themes are reflected in our local community.
Presenter Bio:
Bravebird is a female and Indigenous video production company that seeks to transform the way diversity is depicted on screen. Bravebird co-founder and ALMA Award-winning Filmmaker, Alex Miranda Cruz spent 15 years working in Hollywood as a diverse professional actor as well as for a top Hollywood studio. Alex appeared in film and tv shows like The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Walker Texas Ranger. He eventually left Hollywood after constantly being stereotyped as a delinquent. Alex maintained his passion for storytelling and decided to pursue transformative work behind the camera with the goal of including more diverse voices in the story-telling process.
Mount Horeb Public Library
Deerfield Public Library
Indigenous Feminism: Stories of Identity and Stereotypes
Mosaicos Cultural Enrichment Corporation
Program Description:
Zoom recording available here.
A panel of Indigenous women and femmes from throughout the Midwest will talk about their leadership roles and work in the community as well as the challenges of Indigeneity in colonized society. The goal of this program is to address stereotypes of Native femininity and these connections to the international epidemic of MMIW (missing and murdered Indigenous women). Registration is not required, but sign up here for an email reminder if you like.
Saturday, November 12th 2-3:30pm | Stoughton Public Library
*EDIT: In January 2023 we learned that one of the panelists for this event (Kay Le Claire / Kathryn Le Claire / “nibiiwakamigkwe”) misrepresented themselves as indigenous. They deceived many in our community and caused significant harm. You can read more about what happened here.
Le Claire's act of cultural theft in no way diminishes the contributions of the other panelists, Shelley Buffalo and Matilde Cachiguango Muenala. Nor should it detract from the important topics discussed at the event such as the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
We sincerely apologize for giving this person a platform to do more harm. The organization who coordinated this panel, Mosaicos, donated the honorarium Le Claire would have received to Yowela Farms, a Native-owned sustainable farm in Stoughton. We know it does not erase the harm, but we hope that this contribution will in a small way make reparations for the hurt this incident has caused to Native individuals and communities.
Vegan Farm-to-Table Cooking Demo & Food Justice Discussion
Chef James Bloodsaw, Jr. & Robert Pierce
Program Description:
Space is limited to 20 participants. Register early!
Join Chef James Bloodsaw of Justveggiez and Robert Pierce of Madison’s Southside Farmer’s Market and Neighborhood Food Solutions for a truly unique farm-to-table experience! Chef James will begin with a vegan cooking demonstration, making a flavorful seasonal dinner menu for all guests using fresh ingredients from Mr. Pierce’s farm. Chef James will be sharing his journey of embracing vegan cooking for a healthy lifestyle, followed by Mr. Pierce leading a discussion on food justice during the meal.
Feed your mind and your belly and connect to your community and this land. Space is limited so be sure to register early to reserve your spot!
Presenter Bios:
Chef James Bloodsaw, Jr. is the head chef and owner of Justveggiez, a plant-based restaurant, delivery service, meal plan, and catering company serving up a healthier version of your favorite foods. Justveggiez is 100% Black and family owned and operated.
Chef James discovered his passion for cooking and launched his career in Chicago at the age of 17. After a conversation in 2011 with his late father about his health issues, he resolved to change his life. In 2018, with 30 years of cooking and catering experience, he began to share his newfound healthier diet with others through his own business: Justveggiez.
Robert Pierce is the manager of Madison’s South Side Farmer’s Market and Executive Director of Neighborhood Food Solutions, which offers several impactful programs to connect people with employment opportunities through agricultural training. Mr. Pierce is a respected authority on urban farming, and was featured on PBS Wisconsin’s Race Matters series on Black farming and land ownership.
Tuesday, November 1st 6:30-8pm | Oregon Public Library (location: Oregon Area Senior Center) REGISTRATION FULL!
Thursday, November 3rd 6:30-8pm | Mount Horeb Public Library
Tuesday, November 15th, 6:30-8pm | Belleville Public Library
Thursday, November 17th 6:30-8pm | Waunakee Public Library
Paul Robeson: Ballad of an American
Fermat's Last Theater Co.
Program Description:
Paul Robeson -- Ballad of an American is an excerpted reading in performance of Sharon Rudahl's beautiful work Ballad of an American: A Graphic Biography of Paul Robeson (2020), edited by Paul Buhle and Lawrence Ware. Interspersed with Robeson's own music and words, beginning with an eleven-minute excerpt of his compelling interview before HUAC (House Un-American Activities Commitee), it uses the frank, direct writing, and imagery of Rudahl. The presentation takes the audience on a journey through the passions, fortitude, and grit of one of the greatest men, so soon forgotten, that this country has ever produced. Scholar, athlete, lawyer, singer, actor, activist, in short, the true Renaissance Man of letters, art, and activism -- Paul Robeson.
Presented by Fermat's Theater Company Members: Quanda Johnson and Melvin Hinton
Adapted and curated by: Quanda Johnson
Thursday, November 17th 6-7:30pm | Goodman South Madison Library
Tuesday, November 29th 6-7:30pm | Hawthorne Library (Madison)
Creating a Sense of Belonging Through Slam Poetry
Charles Payne
Program Description:
Charles's workshop will help participants delve into crucial conversations across differences. And by doing so, participants will foster a deeper understanding of themselves. The learning objectives were designed to challenge participants to think, write, and share experiences they've had that contributed to their sense of belonging by giving participants a brave space to share their personal stories and challenging them to listen critically. First, we'll start with looking at poems by different poetry slam and story slam authors, discuss, then write using tools the poems and stories provided. Then we'll then work through a workbook that walks participants through social justice, engages, and reflects on their intersectional identities. Much more before we challenge participants to brainstorm ideas for a three to five-minute poem/story they'd like to tell. In groups, participants will discuss those ideas and workshop their stories. Finally, participants will get to share their three to five-minute antidotes with the group in whatever form they choose.
The workshop also Includes a free copy of Charles’s self-published book, Love, Payne, Hate, & Adversity!
Presenter Bio:
Charles Payne (he, him) has won the Arts + Literature Laboratory's inaugural ALL Originals Prize competition for his poems and the Moth's Inaugural Central GrandSLAM storytelling competition. Charles is a Madison (WI) transplant, a certified teacher, and a self-taught social artist from Michigan. As a child, he loved hearing the sound of Paul Harvey's voice, their innate ability to describe every intricate detail truly inspired Charles to tell stories himself. And, yes, Charles can't wait to give you the rest of the story. Because good stories foster empathy and help people see the world from different perspectives.
E.D. Locke Public Library (McFarland)
Madison Public Library - Sequoya Branch
Verona Public Library
Meadowridge Library (Madison)
December 6th at 6pm
Black Girls Don't
Prenicia Clifton
Program Description:
In this presentation Prenicia tells her story of overcoming society putting young Black girls in a box and what it really means to create your own path in life. Prenicia to this day constantly challenges the stereotypes of Black women and uses her story to inspire youth.
Black Girls Don’t Sing Opera!
What does it mean to be a Black girl performing in a predominantly white field?
Black Girls Don’t Lead!
What does it mean to be a Black girl breaking barriers and leading a community?
Black Girls Don’t Read!
What does it mean to be a Black girl overcoming an undiagnosed learning disability?
Black Girls Don’t Speak Out!
What does it mean to dedicate one’s life to activism as a Black woman?
Black Girls Don’t Tell!
What does it mean to overcome abuse and tell on your abuser?
Presenter Bio:
Prenicia Clifton is an accomplished opera singer with credits in major opera houses around the world; including opening opera houses with Placido Domingo, sharing the stage with Grammy Award winning artist-Denyce Graves, and becoming the first African American to sing in a Chinese opera house solely in Mandarin.
Clifton is the founder of Seein' is Believin' an organization committed to improving educational spaces through a culturally responsive lens and educating communities on the best ways to support the holistic safety of youth. Seein' is Believin' offers workshops, project management, consulting and planning for K-12 youth outreach activities as well as community training in Youth Protection and Youth Mental Health First Aid. Our classroom workshops are focused in Social Emotional Learning, Diversity and Equity, and increasing representation in K-12 spaces. For more information visit our website at Seein-is-believin.com
Lakeview Library (Madison Public Library)
May 14th, 2pm
Sun Prairie Public Library
Hawthorne Library (Madison Public Library
January 28th, 2pm
Race: The Power of an Illusion
Facilitator: Yolibeth Rangel-FitzGibbon of Mosaicos
Program Description
Join us for a viewing and facilitated discussion of the award-winning documentary series by California Newsreel. RACE—The Power of an Illusion is a provocative three-hour series that questions the very idea of race as biology. Scientists tell us that believing in biological races is no more sound than believing the sun revolves around the earth. So if race is a biological myth, where did the idea come from? And why should it matter today? RACE—The Power of an Illusion provides an eye-opening discussion tool to help people examine their beliefs about race, privilege, policy, and justice.
Presenter Bio
Yolibeth Rangel-FitzGibbon (Yoli) is the founder and Executive director of Mosaicos Cultural Enrichment Corporation and a member of the Stoughton Board of Education. Born and raised in Venezuela, she moved to the U.S. in 2000. Her international work and travel experiences instilled an appreciation for the assets people bring from diverse cultures. She established Mosaicos in order to make Stoughton a more welcoming and inclusive community for all.
Mosaicos promotes understanding, appreciation, and inclusion through facilitated conversations about diversity throughout the community and fosters academic achievement among underrepresented students by providing them with academic support and mentoring.
Monona Public Library
Rosemary Garfoot Public Library (Cross Plains)
February 15, 6-7:30pm
Writing Workshops & Open Mic Nights Celebrating QTBIPoC Disabled Voices
Loud 'n' Unchained Theater Company
Program Description:
Loud ‘n’ Unchained Theater company presents a series of writing workshops and open mic events centering Black, Indigenous and POC, Queer, Trans and Disabled writers and authors. Each open mic will feature a new QTBIPoC Disabled artist and and Live DJ. Sign up in advance to read or show up by 5:45 to sign up to read!
Presenter Bio:
T. S. Banks is a community organizer, disability justice and mental wellness advocate, poet, and playwright from Madison, WI. A First Wave and UW Madison Graduate. He is the Founder of Loud ‘N UnChained Theater Co. Which is also home to LNU Black Theater Festival; that premiered April 2021. His work addresses visioning for Black Power + Liberation, a critique of the medical-industrial complex, psychiatric violence, sanism, radical care + access, transformative justice. QT Justice, Disability Justice, and cross-movement solidarity.
Pinney Library (Madison)
Friday, July 15 6-8pm Open Mic (feat. T.S. Banks & DJ Femme Noir)
Saturday, July 16 12-1:30pm Writing Workshop (feat. T.S. Banks & DJ Femme Noir)
Theme: Split. Love and Madness! Celebrating Queer Trans and Mad-c/Krip Voices!
Central Library (Madison)
August 5 4-5:30pm Writing Workshop (feat. Sean Avery Medlin & DJ Femme Noir)
August 6 5-8pm Open Mic (feat. Sean Avery Medlin & DJ Femme Noir)
Theme: 808's & OtherWorlds
Goodman South Madison Library
October 13 5:45-7:45pm Writing Workshop (feat. T.S. Banks)
Theme: Truth vs. Perception
Pinney Library (Madison)
November 11 6-8pm Open Mic (feat. chalchiuhkoatl with Natalia and music by DJ Pearl Marshall)
November 12 12-1:30pm Writing Workshop (feat. chalchiuhkoatl)
Theme: We All Queer (Love, Joy and Pride)
Pinney Library (Madison)
February 17th 6pm
LNU Black QTDisabled Showcase + Mini Artists Market
Finding Me: A Musical Children's Book
Music Theatre of Madison
Program Description
Have you ever heard a student say they went to a school where they didn’t feel seen, heard, confident, loved, or like they truly belonged? Jr. has felt that way at his many schools. But things begin to change when he stumbles upon a magical classroom and peeks through their window. With the help of a teacher named Mr. Rise, he sees a handful of students who are shown just how special they are every day! Will Jr. be too afraid to reveal himself to them? Will they let Jr. join their team? Only time will tell if he’s found the community he’s needed for a very long time.
Bring your creativity and your superpowers and join us for a read-aloud and dance and sing-along of the book from author Alexis Dean, Jr.! We’ll also have coloring pages from the book!
https://www.mtmadison.com/childrens-book-project
Presenter Bio
Music Theatre of Madison: Discover What’s Next.
Music Theatre of Madison is a seventeen-year-old professional theatre company that focuses on the new and different in musical theatre. The company has 37 full productions to its credit, plus numerous readings, concerts, and educational activities, including frequent partnerships with Madison Public Libraries. During the pandemic, the company found ways for musical theatre to exist in a variety of mediums, including as a podcast and audiodrama, in a film of original songs, on a concept album written by BIPOC local artists, and in the form of this book, Finding Me, a two-year project involving nearly 60 Madison and Milwaukee artists. The book will be available to purchase online at www.mtmadison.com and the libraries will have copies as well!
Fitchburg Public Library
Belleville Public Library
Marshall Community Library
Black Earth Public Library
Madison Public Library - Monroe Street Branch
TBD-- early 2023
Questions?
trevino-murphy [at] dcls.info (Contact) Alicia Treviño-Murphy, Beyond the Page Manager