One Read For Racial Justice: Somewhere in the Unknown World

 

What is a One Read?

The One Read for Racial Justice is an annual, collaborative, campus-wide initiative that seeks to raise awareness about racial justice issues, create opportunities for dialogues across difference and discipline, and to promote community. It’s like a giant book club where we all get together to read a common text and then discuss it as a community and plan other events that help deepen our understanding of the book and its themes. The One Read is an initiative co-led by the Library and the Centers for Equity and Belonging in collaboration with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, and alumni across departments and disciplines.

 

What book are we reading?

Somewhere in the Unknown World by Kao Kalia Yang

Somewhere in the Unknown World is a collection of powerful stories of refugees who have found new lives in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, told by the award-winning author of The Latehomecomer and The Song Poet.

All over this country, there are refugees. But beyond the headlines, few know who they are, how they live, or what they have lost. Although Minnesota is not known for its diversity, the state has welcomed more refugees per capita than any other, from Syria to Bosnia, Thailand to Liberia. Now, with nativism on the rise, Kao Kalia Yang—herself a Hmong refugee—has gathered stories of the stateless who today call the Twin Cities home. (From Kao Kalia Yang's website)

 

Where can I get the book?

 

How do I participate?

  • Read the book
  • Attend an event
  • Learn more by exploring our resource guide
  • Organize an event or host a discussion
  • Integrate the book into your course/work
  • Join the planning group

 

Fall 2026 Event Series

The themes of Yang’s book are far reaching, just like the events on St. Kate’s campus. Watch this page for official One Read events, or partner events that correspond with Yang’s work.

Wednesday, October 7, 5:30–7 p.m. 
Care, Identity, and the Work of Becoming by Sahra Noor

Rauenhorst Ballroom, CdC

Join us in welcoming Sahra Noor M'00, '02, a St. Kate’s nursing alumna (and a 2017 St. Kate’s Alumni Award recipient!), global health leader, and author of Salt in the Snow. Sahra is also the former CEO of People’s Center Clinics and Services in Minneapolis. Hear about Sahra's leadership journey in healthcare and learn about health and leadership topics including how histories shape care, providing care across differences, and staying human in impersonal systems locally and globally. After the conversation, there will be a book signing.
RSVP

 

Thursday, October 29, 6:30 p.m. 

A Conversation With Kao Kalia Yang at The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University

We are excited to welcome the author of this year's One Read for Racial Justice for a keynote address, open to campus and the community. Ms. Yang's talk will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. Bring your book, or purchase one at the event for her to sign! 

St. Kate's students, faculty and staff can email The O'Shaughnessy box office for their complimentary ticket, oshaughessy@stkate.edu.

 

Ongoing

September 12, 2026 to December 12, 2026

The Paglees: Between Reason and Madness at the Catherine G Murphy Gallery

“The Paglees: Between Reason and Madness questions and reframes the labeling of non-conforming women as crazy and the marginalization of immigrant women of color. This collective exhibition presents new decolonial narratives that center the reason and wisdom of brown women of the Global South and diaspora, and provide pathways to a creative feminist future. The Paglees believe in working in collaboration with other marginalized communities to build bridges and demand social, environmental, and legal justice for all.”

Opening Reception: September 12th 2026, 5-7pm 

All Opening Events are free and open to the public. 

 

October 27, 2026 to November 8, 2026

Secret War Nurse Exhibition at the Catherine G Murphy Gallery

“This exhibition shines a spotlight on the pioneering Hmong women who served as frontline nurses in Laos during America’s Secret War (1954–1974). It honors their sacrifices while documenting the origins and evolution of the Hmong ethnic healthcare workforce.” 

 

More events forthcoming

Follow us here and on social media to keep up with new events as they are added!

Want to be more involved in the planning of this and future One Reads, including helping choose the next One Read text? Consider joining the planning group. Email Lizzy Tegeler, Librarian, (ejtegeler865@stkate.edu) and Lydia Fasteland, Equity and Belonging Coordinator (lbfasteland@stkate.edu) for more information.