A desire for change is mobilizing record numbers of voters to participate in theprimaries this presidential election season. A diverse, robust, and ever-changing population is asserting itself in the electoral process. But how democratic is the political process in this country? As a society, how can we understand and overcome the racialized nature of American citizenship? Who gets to vote, who doesn't and why? And ultimately, how much do our votes really count?

On Wednesday, June 18, at 7:00 pm, Bryon Mealer, the author of All Things Must Fight to Live: Stories of War and Deliverance in Congo, will give a reading at the Experimental Station (home of the Invisible Institute), 6100 S. Blackstone. (For a description of the book: http://www.bryanmealer.com) Refreshments will be served. I hope you will join us.

If you haven't yet been to Backstory Cafe, you are missing something. Come and check out their inviting space, their slow-drip brewed Metropolis coffees and variety of teas, their ever-so-moist and delicious pastries and lunchtime soups and sandwiches (turkey, corned beef, hummus and veggie, and more!), and their delicious Sunday brunches. Backstory also offers free Wifi. Winter hours are Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday brunch 10am-2pm.