Teens need collaborative opportunities to learn and share perspectives about challenging and divisive issues of racism which impact their future. Taken to the next level, such opportunities can be an innovative stimulus for informed and better understanding and a call to action for influencing positive changes.

"Voices of the Future" is a library model for involving the teen community in examining sources of racial conflict and playing a role in reconciliation. The authors opened doors to frank discussion about topics raised in the book. IndyPL served as a forum to share teen voices with the wider community. Opportunities were expanded to engage with teens and partner with schools. Teens were introduced to the Library as an innovative agent for change.

Four hundred eighty eight middle and high school students, who received free copies of All American Boys, participated in the discussion and development of the art exhibit at the Central Library. Eight schools in the Indianapolis community incorporated reading of the book into their school curriculum and the library became the launch pad for educational enrichment about a current issue impacting the community. IndyPL will continue to develop this model as an annual event.