Three upcoming events at the library are sure to have attendees talking. ■On Saturday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. — The “Realizing the Dream: Santa Monica Men of Courage” program marks Black History Month. Five prominent Santa Monicans discuss the challenges facing youth today and how young people can draw inspiration from the achievements of others who have overcome great obstacles to become great achievers. The event will introduce the community to the Marcus O. Tucker: Black Men of Courage Collection, donated to the library by Indira Hale Tucker. Judge Tucker was born and raised in Santa Monica and served as the first African American deputy city attorney in City Attorney’s office.
The panel, led by Nathaniel Trives, includes community leaders who have “walked the talk” — Judge Marcus O. Tucker, Lloyd Allen, Dr. Sherdrick Jones and P. Lamont Ewell. An informal reception will follow so guests may meet the panelists and preview the Black Men of Courage Collection. ■On Monday, Feb. 26,, from 7 to 9 p.m. — The library welcomes political pundit Scott Ritter, the former lead weapons inspector in Iraq for the United Nations Security Commission (UNSCOM) and now a leading critic of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. Ritter will be joined by political journalist Robert Scheer for an evening of conversation on Iraq, Iran and other hot button issues on U.S. and Middle East relations. Ritter will also discuss his latest book, “Target Iran: The Truth About the White House’s Plans for Regime Change.” ■On Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. — Comedic actor, writer and radio host Harry Shearer, best known as the star of such films and television programs as “This is Spinal Tap,” “For Your Consideration,” “A Mighty Wind” and “The Simpsons.” He is also the host of the syndicated NPR program, “Le Show,” and the author of the novel, “Not Enough Indians.” At this evening of conversation, guest Shearer will be joined by his “Simpsons” co-star/love interest, Marcia Wallace.
A book sale and signing will follow the discussions. All of the programs are free and will take place in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Seating is limited and is on a first-arrival basis. Tickets for auditorium seating will be available one hour prior to the program. No reservations available. For more information, contact the Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600 or visit www.smpl.org.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 13, 2007. Read the original PDF.