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| Nichelle Hayes |
The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCAL) and the National Convention of African American Librarian committee (NCAAL) has announced that the 12th National Convention of African American Librarians will no longer be held in Indianapolis due to the the Indianapolis Library Board refusing to appoint board’s refusal to appoint Nichelle Hayes, an African American as the Indy Library Board's CEO.
The NCAAL and BCAL released a statement on the decision being due to the CEO controversy and states that they have determined Indianapolis to be a “inhospitable location.”
Read the full statement below:
The National Conference of African Americans Librarians (NCAAL) is a time for us to engage, communicate, reflect and enjoy fellowship in a welcoming city. Culture Keepers XII: Unity in Diversity: Stronger Together in the African Diaspora was scheduled to be held in July 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Due to the actions of the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees, BCALA members have determined that Indianapolis is an inhospitable location, and the conference will not be held there.
The actions of the Indianapolis Public Library Board are a reflection of what happens within our profession, where hardworking, talented and qualified people are used to clean up messes, fix problems, and to just be seen enough that a diversity goal is ticked without any substantive change. When entities believe you are not “the person” they create imaginary barriers designed to stop progress both the professional, and the profession. Our members deserve better.
The National Conference of African American librarians will be held in New Orleans in 2024.
Culture Keepers XII: Unity in Diversity: Stronger Together in the African Diaspora. NCAAL Conference Committee
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