LibGuides: Commodore Conversations 2021: The Many Faces of Poverty

Panel Description

Session Description: The American Dream has been referenced throughout history as an ideal for which people strive. But as the definition of the American Dream varies form person to person, so does access and participation in that dream. This session explores the panelists’ multiple perspectives on this topic.

Panelists:

Dr. Kwaku Obosu-Mensah, Professor of Sociology, Lorain County Community College

Ms. Regan Phillips, Executive Administrative Assistant for the City of Elyria Council Clerk; Community Advocate; Philanthropist

Mr. Ronald Ramsey, Sr., Vietnam Veteran, Retired

Online Resources

State of Poverty in Ohio Report 2022
This report highlights some of the primary causes of poverty and should serve as a guide for positive change.
Lorain County, Ohio - Census Bureau
Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau
Data USA - Lorain County
Data USA aggregates government statistics into an easy-to-use interface.
The Center for Community Solutions - Community Fact Sheets
Community Fact Sheets are one-page data sheets that highlight demographic, health, and social indicators for communities around Ohio. They contain data on poverty, education, employment, income, health coverage, health outcomes, enrollment in safety net programs, and more.
Racial Disparities in Lorain County
A report containing a series of graphics which examine racial disparities in Lorain County. Data on education, justice, economics and health is included.
Cleveland Narrowly Tops Detroit In List of Poorest U.S. Cities
Nick Castele, Ideastream, September 17, 2020.
Report: Census Shows Poverty Distribution In Cleveland Largely Unchanged
Taylor Haggerty, Ideastream, September 13, 2021
Poverty - Census Bureau
The Census Bureau provides poverty data from several household surveys and programs. Here you can find poverty estimates, learn about these surveys and programs, and get guidance on how to choose the right estimate for your needs.
2-1-1 United Way of Greater Lorain County
Directory of services for Lorain County citizens.
Lorain County Veterans Service Commission
Provide assistance for veterans.

Library Resources

New Faces of American Poverty by Lindsey K. Hanson, Timothy J. Essenburg
Call Number: Gale eBook
ISBN: 9781610691826
Publication Date: 2014
This is one of the first books to focus on the impact of the Great Recession on poverty in America, examining governmental and cultural responses to the economic downturn; the demographics of poverty by gender, age, occupation, education, geographical area, and ethnic identity; and federal and state efforts toward reform and relief. Login with your LCCC email and password.
The American Dream in the 21st Century by Sandra Hanson, John White
ISBN: 1439903158
Publication Date: 2011
The American Dream in the 21st Century examines the American Dream historically, socially, and economically and considers its intersection with politics, religion, race, gender, and generation.
Reclaiming the American Dream by Ben Hecht
ISBN: 9780815734895
Publication Date: 2018
A blueprint for community-based solutions to economic inequality in America. Available through OhioLINK.
Homelessness Among U.S. Veterans : Critical Perspectives by Jack Tsai
Call Number: OhioLINK eBook
ISBN: 9780190695149
This book provides an overview on a range of multidisciplinary topic areas related to Veteran homelessness and highlights recent research and services that have been developed for this population. Login with your LCCC email and password.

Videos

Sumner, K. (2015, November). How America's public schools keep kids in poverty [Video]. TED Talks. https://www.ted.com/talks/kandice_sumner_how_america_s_public_schools_keep_kids_in_poverty

City Club of Cleveland (2018, November 2). Reclaiming the American Dream [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjy7DRxh7Eg

Vance, J. D. (2016 September). America's forgotten working class. [Video]. Ted Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/j_d_vance_america_s_forgotten_working_class