Duke Pathology hosts an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee Book Club, which is open to members of the Pathology Department and Clinical Laboratories. The Book Club supports the EDI Committee’s mission to help dismantle racism in all forms, and encourages Department members to speak openly, honestly, and without retribution about their experiences, and to offer ideas for improvement.
At each meeting, members are invited to sit around a table to discuss a book that is centered on a topic related to diversity in the workplace and beyond. It offers a safe, confidential space for coworkers to ask questions, discuss difficult topics, and share about their backgrounds. The Committee hosts two book clubs every year, and offers free copies of the book - purchased from a local, minority-owned book store- to the first 20 members to RSVP for the events.
At the inaugural book club on June 8th, 2022, 15 Committee members met in person to discuss Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, by Emmanuel Acho. Former Faculty Diversity and Inclusion Co-Leader Anne Buckley, MD, PhD, suggested the book and helped lead the conversation. Participants enjoyed sharing about their backgrounds, and had an open, honest conversation centered on the book. Avani Pendse, MD, PhD, and Wen-Chi Foo, MD, hosted the event on behalf of the Committee, and Senior Business Manager, Pamela Harris, Staff Committee Co-Leader (along with Staff Director Kelly Macklin), arranged for refreshments.
On Oct. 25th, 2022, it met for second time to discuss reactions, discoveries and questions about the various topics covered in Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People, by Anthony Greenwald and Mahzarin Banaji. The third book club meeting was held on May 31st, 2023, to discuss Melinda Gates' book, Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World. On Oct. 5th, 2023, the book club met to discuss Interior Chinatown, by Charles Yu. On May 13th, 2024, it met for a fifth time to talk about The Night Watchman, by Louise Erdrich. The Committee also offers ad-hoc gatherings in between these biannual events to continue conversations about the books discussed, for those who want to continue the conversation.