Radical Readz is a series inspired by The Gathering for Justice's Founder Harry Belafonte who dreamed of a "movement book club" to inspire and educate readers about the history of social justice movements, the challenges facing our communities today, and the ways that we can all get involved in making a difference. The books featured in the series are chosen for their thought-provoking content, their relevance to the work of The Gathering for Justice, and their potential to spark conversations about social justice.
Radical Readz Live!
Tuesday June 3- New York, NY
Join The Gathering for Justice and The Center at West Park (CWP) for Radical Readz Live! a thought-provoking conversation about Mike De La Rocha's book, Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How to Love. with music, performances, and book signing.
In Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How to Love, Mike de la Rocha explores how inherited definitions of manhood profoundly impacted his ability to connect with his father, his family, and ultimately himself, inviting readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and love.
Pre-order the book with your registration to reserve your copy which can be picked up at the event.
About the author
Mike de la Rocha is a visionary strategist, acclaimed artist, and compelling voice for change. Celebrated as one of the most influential changemakers of our era, Mike has been behind several of the largest policy victories and cultural shifts in United States history. He’s earned accolades as one of GOOD magazine’s top 100 people reshaping our world, recipient of the AFL-CIO’s prestigious Justice, Peace and Freedom Award, and was lauded as a groundbreaking innovator by Stanford Social Innovation Review. A proud alumnus of UCLA, Mike co-founded Revolve Impact, one of the leading creative agencies in the world, and Tepito Coffee, one of the fastest growing Latinx coffee companies in America. Mike calls Los Angeles home, where he resides with his family. Learn more about his journey at mikedelarocha.com and join the conversation online at @mrmikedelarocha
Radical Readz
Book of the month
Dreaming of Home: How We Turn Fear into Pride, Power, and Real Change Hardcover – May 27, 2025
About The Book
A MacArthur “Genius” shares her inspiring story, from undocumented newcomer to leader in a powerful immigrant youth movement.
Dreaming of Home is a coming-of-age story for both a young woman finding her true self and a social movement of immigrant youth trailblazers who inspired the world and changed the lives of millions.
Cristina Jiménez’s family fought to stay afloat as Ecuador fell into a political and economic crisis. When she was thirteen, her family came to the US seeking a better life, landing in an overcrowded one-bedroom apartment in Queens, New York. She lived in fear of deportation and ashamed of being undocumented, but eventually, Cristina discovered she was not alone. She made it into college when students and advocates won a change in the law, allowing undocumented students to access higher education. She was proud to be the first one in her family to go to college, but she felt out of place until she met professors and student activists who opened a new world where she found her calling within a community of social justice organizers.
With deep candor and humor, Cristina shows us what it’s like to grow up undocumented and the reality that being a “good” immigrant doesn’t shield you from systemic racism, danger―or even the confusion of falling in love. She invites us to acknowledge the America that never was and to imagine the America that could be when everyday people come together, build power, and fight for change, even when the world around us seems to be crumbling.