Glenbard parenting event to explore inclusive future through lens of poetry, dialogue

The Glenbard Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families will present a distinguished roundtable on social justice with human rights activist Qasim Rashid and spoken word poet Jonathan Mendoza at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 8.

Go to glenbardgps.org for the link to this webinar. Questions may be submitted to gilda_ross@glenbard.org prior to the event.

To be placed on a reminder list for Glenbard Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families events, send an email to gilda_ross@glenbard.org.

Rashid and Mendoza will discuss the steps to take to create a more inclusive future and provide inspiration to rise above the forces that seek to drive people apart. They will share how the power of dialogue can overcome violence, racism and hate and lead people on a path to greater understanding.

Rashid is an attorney, former visiting fellow at Harvard University's Islamic Studies program and a graduate of Glenbard South High School. He is the author of three books including, "Talk to Me: Changing the Narrative on Race, Religion and Education."

Mendoza is an award-winning Mexican-American and Jewish community organizer, activist, educator and spoken-word poet. He is a National Poetry Slam champion, and he writes and performs on topics pertaining to social justice, mental health and multiracial identity. Mendoza ties the artistic to the political and the academic to the emotional, providing content that speaks to his audiences.

Both presenters will address Glenbard North students in their English class during the day. Students from throughout the area are encouraged to view the evening presentation.

GPS is generously sponsored by the Cebrin Goodman Center, Community Consolidated School District 93 Birth to 5 Community Coalition, Cooperative Association for Special Education (CASE), College of DuPage, DuPage Medical Group, Emmy Gaffey Foundation, Glenbard Early Childhood Collaborative, Holiday Inn/Carol Stream, Kiwanis Clubs of District 9, and Prevention Leadership Team of the DuPage County Health Department.

Continuing professional development units are available.

For further information, visit glenbardgps.org or contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at (630) 942-7668 or gilda_ross@glenbard.org.