Takeaways from Carmen Agra Deedy’s Hope-filled Address #alamw17 #alscmi

I was absolutely blown away by my experiences during the ALSC Mini Institute today. I learned a great deal from a wide variety of eloquent, passionate speakers on topics as varied as using popular music in storytime, planning pop-up library events and creating books with your spouse, to name a few. I find myself reflecting on a lot of what I heard today, how I can put what I’ve learned into practice professionally and personally as well. Thank you to everyone who presented! 

One of the sessions that has really stuck with me throughout the day was Carmen Agra Deedy’s lunchtime keynote. Almost as soon as Carmen began speaking I was struck by her humor, her masterful way with words, and the heart behind everything she was saying. I cannot possibly share Carmen’s stories here, certainly not as beautifully as she told them. To listen to her talk about her mother’s crazy driving, or her father’s experiences working at a steel mill, was to be transported into the story until it met its powerful conclusion. Some stories were hilarious, some moving, and many were both. 

Rather than try to retell Carmen’s stories, I thought I’d share some of the quotes I attempted to copy down as she was speaking. Many things she said struck a chord with everyone. In fact, her final story was so moving it was difficult to find a dry eye in the room. Here are some things Carmen shared (I tried to copy each quote word for word, I apologize for any errors or omissions):

“The courageous must know when to speak. The foolish must know when to be silent.”  This was such a wonderful tie in to The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet!, Carmen’s new book coming out at the end of the month. We were fortunate enough to receive copies of the book at lunch. We even had the privilege of hearing Carmen read the book out loud. Wonderful and powerful too! Don Pepe, a bullying new mayor, forces everyone in the village of La Paz to stop singing. When rooster moves to town, however, he shakes things up in a big way by refusing to stop singing no matter what is taken from him.

“If someone I disagree with wants to speak, let them speak, but then I get to speak too”

“We each must fight the good fight, whatever that means to you. What is my voice, what is your voice?”

“We are not born with conscience, we are awakened to it.”

Returning to Rooster, but all of us too: “Those who sing alone in the dark are the bravest, are they not?”

I could go on and on about this keynote. I believe a recording of it, as well as the other keynotes, will be posted on the ALSC website. I highly recommend you give Carmen Agra Deedy’s speech, and anything else that’s made available, a listen if you get a chance.

One last thing from me. Amidst the chaos and excitement of the exhibits opening tonight, I found myself in line to meet Carmen Agra Deedy, as well as illustrator Thomas Gonzalez, and received a signed copy of their book 14 Cows for America. It was such a privilege to spend some time talking with Carmen and thanking her for her remarks today. Her words, her hope, really moved me. I’m so grateful to ALSC for the Mini Institute today, for the meaningful moments that occurred in and out of sessions. May we all continue to be roosters and sing out for those who need us, patrons or otherwise. “Kee-kee-ree-KEE!”