2022 David Cohen/EMIERT Multicultural Award recipient named

Dr. LaTesha Velez, PhD, Assistant Professor of Library & Information Science (LIS) at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is the recipient of the 2022 American Library Association (ALA) Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table (EMIERT) David Cohen/EMIERT Multicultural Award for her article entitled "It Was Like He Was Writing My Life:" How Ethnic Identity Affected One Family's Interpretation of an Afro Latinx Text.”

Dr. Velez has worked in libraries since 1994. Her work highlights the needs and stories of BIPOC individuals, particularly Black and Latinx people. She uses asset-based, rather than deficit-based theories and language in her research design and writing. According to Gerald Holmes, “Dr. Velez's article advances the understanding of multicultural issues in libraries by offering counter-stories to contradict the persistent narrative of a lack of early literacy among Hispanic families. It also offers a deeper look at how multicultural readers are impacted by books written by diverse authors and that feature diverse protagonists. This publication is significant and impactful because its insights will help librarians understand the impact of multicultural texts on diverse patrons, help librarians be at the forefront of meeting the needs of the growing population of Latinx patrons, and assist in providing inclusive readers advisory services.”

Founded in 1982, the Ethnic and Multicultural Information and Exchange Round Table (EMIERT) serves as a source of information for recommended ethnic and multilingual collections, services, and programs. The David Cohen/EMIERT Multicultural Award recognizes recent articles that include significant new research related to the understanding and promotion of multiculturalism in libraries in North America. Works published within the last two years preceding the award application deadline are eligible to receive the award.

The Award, consisting of $500 and a commemorative plaque, will be presented in person during the EMIERT Chair’s Program at ALA Annual Conference.

For more information, please visit www.ala.org/emiert.