The Future of Libraries: Humanity, Technology, and the Stories We Preserve – A Panel Discussion
Inspired by author Veronica G. Henry’s recent release The People’s Library, BIPOC information professionals will discuss libraries and archives roles as cultural anchors and tools of liberation as well as their thoughts on how artificial intelligence products are impacting their work. As Black, Indigenous, and People of Color have historically faced the brunt of unregulated industrial and technological revolutions, we are well-positioned to lead a conversation on the state of information sharing, the impact of AI on our communities, and imagine new possibilities. Attendees can expect to learn about the vast responsibilities of the panelists, how to take advantage of their local institutions, and what they should keep in mind if they choose to use generative AI.
This event is free and open to the public. Any donations made goes to support We Here's ongoing operational costs. Learn more about We Here.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Moderator:
Veronica G. Henry is the author of The People’s Library, Bacchanal, and the Scorched Earth duology and Mambo Reina Mysteries. A Viable Paradise alum, her award-shortlisted work has appeared in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction and FIYAH Literary Magazine. Follow her at @thewordslinger (Instagram) and @veronicaghenry (Bluesky).
Panelists:
Gabby Womack (she/ella) is a librarian at Tufts University’ Tisch Library, as well as an historian, and book influencer who is passionate about sharing the stories of minoritized folks. Through her work in each field, she seeks to encourage critical thinking, foster belonging and preserve histories. Follow @Bookish_AfroLatina on social media. bookishafrolatina.com
Laurainne Ojo-Ohikuare is the Processing and University Archivist for the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where she oversees the arrangement and description of all photographic and manuscript collections. Before UMBC, she was the Athletics Archivist for University of Maryland, College Park and processed collections for the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). She is the co-creator and co-facilitator of UMBC's AI, Ethics and Privacy Symposium, which is a virtual AI series that investigates various topics surrounding AI and higher education and invites vigorous interrogation of this technology from a diverse roster of presenters.
Azad Namazie is an artist and digital archivist from Los Angeles, CA. They lead the digital archives program at UCLA Library Special Collections (LSC), where they oversee the day-to-day operations of Digital Preservation Lab and support the diverse technological needs of the born-digital content in LSC's collections. @azadnamazie.io | azadnamazie.github.io
Keshia Koech is a Boston Public School librarian and writer with an MFA in Writing for Young People from Lesley University. Based in Boston, she works daily with teens navigating questions of digital agency. She is working on her first novel. Instagram: @keshiakoech_
Edwin Lindo is a Critical Race Theory scholar & Professor; and co-founder of Estelita's Library, a radical social justice library, bookstore, and community space in South Seattle dedicated to liberation, ethnic studies, and the power of collective knowledge. Home to one of the largest known collections and archives of original Black Panther Party newspapers (being digitized now), Estelita's Library serves as both a living archive and an organizing hub, offering free access to over 3,000 books alongside programming that includes community book talks, poetry slams, open mic nights, and intergenerational gatherings rooted in the belief that libraries are not neutral — they are instruments of justice. @estelitas_library | @edwin__lindo