Author of ‘Viral Justice’ to speak on June 17

Ruha Benjamin, an award-winning author and professor of African-American studies at Princeton University, will discuss her latest book, “Viral Justice,” in Cedarburg on Saturday, June 17.

The 10 to 11:30 a.m. talk in the community room at Community United Methodist Church, is sponsored by the Ozaukee County Equity Roundtable in honor of Juneteenth.

Benjamin’s book recounts her personal experiences and those of her family in showing how seemingly minor decisions and habits can spread virally and have exponentially positive effects.

She recounts her father’s premature death, illuminating the devastating impact of the chronic stress of racism, but she also talks about community organizers who are fostering mutual aid and collective healing. Through her brother’s experience with the criminal justice system, she illustrates the trauma caused by policing practices and mass imprisonment as well as family members finding strength as they demand justice for loved ones. And her own challenges as a young mother reveal the inequities of our healthcare system and also how the support of doulas and midwives can keep mothers and babies alive and well.

A question-and-answer session will follow the talk. Refreshments will be served.

To register for the program, visit https://forms.office.com/r/TpnbKXXevm.

To hear more about the Ozaukee County Equity Roundtable, visit https://www.facebook.com/ozaukeecountyequityroundtable.

The church is at W68 N563 Evergreen Blvd.