MUSEUM DIRECTOR, EDUCATOR — Kristina Estle, Ohio College Japanese alum and director of the Underground Railroad Museum, works to teach the general public via the “Let’s Discuss Race” ebook membership.
— Contributed
ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The “Let’s Discuss Race” digital ebook membership isn’t even a 12 months outdated, however it already has tackled quite a lot of historic subjects whereas protecting right this moment’s points as nicely.
Established by the Belmont County NAACP, the ebook membership was born of a partnership amongst Ohio College Japanese, the Ohio Valley Underground Railroad Museum; the Ohio Valley Public Library in Wheeling and the St. Clairsville Public Library.
The “Let’s Discuss Race” ebook membership serves Ohio College Japanese college students and the neighborhood at massive, and the books embrace quite a lot of subjects. From slavery, the Civil Rights Motion, biographies of civil rights leaders and activists to points communities are presently going through equivalent to racial injustices, mass incarceration, political reforms and different racial discriminations, the membership is designed to foster discussions, spokesperson defined.
“It’s important to teach oneself on the historical past of race to get a greater understanding of right this moment’s points,” stated Kristina Charlotte Estle, director of the Ohio Valley Underground Railroad Museum.
“All of it begins with dialogue.”
Earlier than starting her profession on the Underground Railroad Museum, Estle accomplished her bachelor’s diploma in historical past at Ohio College Japanese. A Barnesville native, she was capable of analysis the historical past of church buildings in her hometown via her programs.
“This analysis led to the invention of the Stillwater Assembly Home and its involvement within the Underground Railroad, and in the end an interview with John Mattox on the Underground Railroad Museum, which led to my internship, volunteer place and museum director place right this moment,” she stated.
David Fort, Ohio Japanese assistant professor who supplied the analysis composition course that began Estle down her present path, is her “largest function mannequin.”
“He was my cross nation and observe coach after which my historical past professor and educational adviser. He was very powerful, however as a consequence of that, I consider it has led to my many life achievements,” Estle stated.
“I extremely encourage a regional campus expertise, particularly for nontraditional college students. I used to be leery as a consequence of my older age, however I felt very comfy. I developed many friendships that I nonetheless maintain right this moment.”
As for these simply starting their training journey, Estle has a bit of recommendation — to persevere. “Your aspirations won’t occur in a single day,” she stated. “You could work laborious to realize your objectives. Nothing is unimaginable or too far out of attain.”
To be taught in regards to the “Let’s Discuss Race” ebook membership and to take part, go to ohio.edu/japanese/current-students/bookclub.
