Trailblazers in Conversation
Join LA County Library Director Skye Patrick for Trailblazers in Conversation, a dialogue series featuring politicians, authors, community organizers and other trailblazers who are making a difference in our community.
Upcoming Conversation
Thursday, October 12, 6 pm
Join Skye Patrick for a conversation with Seattle Seahawks Linebacker and library advocate, Uchenna Nwosu. While growing up in Carson, Uchenna often visited Carson Library while balancing school and sports. He attended USC and played football at the university before joining the NFL in 2018. Outside of his professional football career, Uchenna is passionate about helping young people reach their educational and professional goals. Uchenna and Skye will discuss his upbringing, his career, and his passion for the library, youth education, literacy, and the new My Brother’s Keeper Peer Advocate program he is supporting at Carson Library for the next three years. This conversation is sure to inspire you!
Register now
Previous Conversations
Trailblazers in Conversation: Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath
3rd District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath joined Library Director Skye Patrick for a thought provoking conversation about equity, access to housing, homelessness, and intellectual freedom, Supervisor Horvath shared her perspective on how we can address the complex issues impacting Los Angeles County residents today.
Watch event recording.
Trailblazers in Conversation: Pyet DeSpain
On May 18th, season 1 winner of Next Level Chef, Pyet DeSpain, discussed Native American cuisine and culture with Library director Skye Patrick. Pyet’s life’s work is dedicated to Indigenous Fusion Cuisine where she combines the food of her heritage — both Native American and Mexican American, and it was a fascinating conversation.
Event recoding coming soon.
Trailblazers in Conversation: David Brownlee
On April 6, customer service expert and author, David Brownlee and Library Director Skye Patrick discussed how the customer service industry has been impacted by the pandemic and how it is currently adjusting to a post-pandemic world. We hope you’ll take a listen to this informative conversation.
Event recording coming soon.
Trailblazers in Conversation: Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell
On June 13, Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell joined Library Director Skye Patrick for a special Juneteenth edition of Trailblazers in Conversation. It was an informative and engaging conversation about racial justice and LA County’s efforts to build back equitably after the pandemic.
Watch event recording here.
Trailblazers in Conversation: Supervisor Sheila Keuhl
On October 26th, Library Director Skye Patrick had the pleasure of speaking with Supervisor Sheila Kuehl as part of LA County Library’s first Trailblazers in Conversation virtual chat series. The event shed light on Kuehl’s continued passion for equity, inclusiveness and equality for all in LA County. Asking the sought after questions, Skye dug deep into the accolades of Kuehl covering various highlights from her early TV star years to now touching on her current time as a supervisor for the LA County Board of Supervisors. A champion for the LGBTQ+ community, Kuehl became a founding member of California Legislative LGBT Caucus while also being the first openly gay person elected to the LA County Board of Supervisors. Kuehl’s tenacity and drive has led her to where she is today, making a difference within her community.
Watch event recording here.
Trailblazers in Conversation with 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger
On May 2, 2022, Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Library Director Skye Patrick discussed the nation’s mental health crisis and the efforts LA County is making to support legislation and advocacy for LA County residents and vulnerable communities.
Watch the recording here.
Trailblazers in Conversation: Patrisse Cullors & Angela Davis
In “An Abolitionist’s Handbook,” artist, author, and organizer Patrisse Cullors charts a framework for how everyday activists can effectively fight for an abolitionist present and future. Filled with relatable pedagogy on the history of abolition, a reimagining of what reparations look like for Black lives, and real-life anecdotes, “An Abolitionist’s Handbook” offers a bold and humanistic approach to how to be a modern-day abolitionist. On January 27, 2022 Cullors virtually discussed her latest work with political activist, scholar, and philosopher Angela Davis. The program was moderated by LA County Library Director Skye Patrick.
Watch event recording here.
Presented in partnership with California African American Museum, the talk was preceded by a performance from Versa-Style Dance Company, a non-profit organization and dance ensemble that consists of committed and conscientious artists representing the diversity and beautiful complexity of Los Angeles. They seek to empower underserved and marginalized groups worldwide through the movement and culture of Hip-Hop dance by creating groundbreaking concert dance works that represent messages of diversity, inclusion, and equity, both on stage and within our communities.
Watch Versa-Style Dance Company’s performance
