In March 2017, the original six members gathered in Pasadena, CA to discuss the first book, The Strange Career of William Ellis. Through one member, who is the great, great nephew of William Ellis, Columbia University professor and author Karl Jacoby joined the group discussion via Skype. The group has now met 90 consecutive months (in person or via Zoom), read 90 books and had 33 authors participate in the book discussions. Authors participating in our discussions include Isabel Wilkerson, Ken Shropshire, Peniel Joseph, Eddie Glaude, Adrian Miller, Regina Porter, James Hirsch, Dr. Rheeda Walker, Mateo Askaripour and Ibram Kendi.
The book choice rotates month-to-month among members. Host responsibilities include choosing the book, developing discussion questions, contacting the author regarding participation, opening their home to the group for in-person gatherings, providing theme based food/snacks and facilitating the book discussion.
The core group resides in the Pasadena/Altadena and Los Angeles areas with others participating remotely via Zoom from Minneapolis, MN, Chicago, Ill., Washington, DC. Springfield, Ill., New Orleans, La. and as far away as Koblenz, Germany, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Casablanca, Morocco and Accra, Ghana. The group consists of approximately 25 active members with various occupations and educational backgrounds. Occupations include private equity investors, teachers, university professors, judges, corporate board members, non-profit executives, business owners, doctors, engineers, consultants, wealth managers and corporate and retired executives. Members include alumni ranging from top schools to the school of hard knocks.
A second chapter based in Phoenix, AZ, started in December, 2021, also with members from around the country participating remotely. A Black Kappa fraternity chapter book group was also launched in 2024 and Sigma chapter group with recent grads is participating. Additional chapter inquiries across the U.S. are under consideration.
Our members share their experiences about how Brothers and Books has impacted their lives. From meaningful book discussions to personal growth, here's what they have to say about being part of this unique and insightful community.
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