Night one of U.S Values and the Constitution

Lilly Davis - Reporter

Photos by Mary Palmer

On Thursday, September 11, the McIver’s Grant Public Library hosted the first night of its four-part series, "U.S. Values and the Constitution." This event will take place every Thursday night until October 2. 

   It is important to recognize the individuals who worked to make the event possible. The diligent women who organized the events, Marsh Naidoo and Mary Palmer, the student leaders who worked together to create a friendly and interactive environment, juniors McKoyler Thach and Lillian Davis and senior Myren Hurst, and the extensively educated guest speaker, Dr. Matthew Stafford, work to educate the community one Thursday at a time. 

   On the first night, guest speaker Stafford discussed the very first foundations of the United States and engaged with his audience through several group activities. Discussion, questions, and respectful conversation go a long way in ensuring a proper educational event.

   The event began with a warm welcome by library staff, followed by a short introduction to the event by one of the hosts and directors, Naidoo. With the event started, Stafford stepped up to seize the attention of everyone in the crowd. Seats were full of attentive listeners as the community compared the first colonies of the United States: Jamestown and Plymouth.

   Stafford called upon his student helpers, Thach and Davis, to encourage the audience to take part in conversation and activities to further their understanding of the beginning of the Constitution. When the audience had questions or comments, Stafford was quick to supply a light-hearted yet accurate answer.

   With around 75 people sitting in their reserved seats, McIver’s Grant Public Library had successfully gone above and beyond. The atmosphere was casual, respectful and friendly, allowing for the community to have both an educational experience and an entertaining one, too.

   This Thursday, September 18, Stafford plans to dive into the beginning of the American Revolution and the creation of the United States Constitution.

   Moreover, The Bus Stop in Dyersburg is offering refreshments for every part of the series. McIver’s Grant Public Library is the place to be this Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Come have a cookie, drink some coffee, learn something new and join the community for the evening. Everyone is encouraged to sign up for a free ticket before this Thursday!